As we look back on the month, it's impossible not to recall CPR and AED Awareness Week, and the excitement we shared this year!
The history of CPR and AED Awareness Week dates back to 2007 when the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), and the National Safety Council joined forces to dedicate one week annually to honor CPR and AED awareness. Since then, the first seven days of June have become a time to highlight the importance of CPR/AED knowledge and its impact on communities.
This year, we decided to celebrate the incredible CPR instructors who make a daily difference by teaching life-saving skills. We reached out to each instructor with five questions to gain insights into their motivations and experiences. Each day, we highlighted one instructor on social media.
Check out their inspiring answers and the remarkable contributions they're making in their communities! Show your support by following their accounts to stay updated on their impactful work.
Sixth City (Cleveland, OH)
[Image description: A photo of a dedicated instructor]
1) What sparked your interest in CPR & First Aid Training?
"I'm a CRNA specializing in anesthesia, particularly in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgeries. Initially, I began teaching because I felt comfortable with the material. Over time, I've come to realize the immense value of education, especially for non-healthcare providers."
2) Have you ever encountered a real-life CPR scenario?
"Unfortunately, I’ve encountered such scenarios multiple times in my line of work. Handling high-risk patients is part of my job."
3) What’s your favorite memory from CPR Training?
"I recently met a woman at a hands-only CPR demonstration who had undergone open-heart surgery. She mentioned having suffered a cardiac arrest before her surgery. It turned out I’d been one of the people who cared for her during her procedure. It was a touching, full-circle moment."
4) What advice do you always give your students?
"Do something, even if it’s not perfect. Bad CPR is still better than no CPR. I emphasize proper technique, but I also stress that imperfect action is better than inaction."
5) What would you say to someone hesitant about learning CPR & First Aid?
"Knowledge empowers you. Most cardiac arrests happen at home, meaning you could be saving a loved one. Every second counts. People never regret learning CPR."
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixthcitycpr/
Palm Pushers (Southern California)
[Image description: Another instructor posing confidently]
1) What drew you to CPR & First Aid Training?
"After the pandemic hit, I struggled to find work in healthcare. Renewing my BLS certification led me to inquire about becoming an instructor. Within a week, I was teaching!"
2) Have you ever faced a real-life CPR situation?
"No, but I’m ready for any emergency thanks to my training."
3) What’s your favorite part of CPR Training?
"The smiles on students' faces after they pass their certification exams fills me with joy."
4) What key piece of advice do you share?
"Don't panic—take a deep breath and trust what you’ve learned. Your actions matter."
5) To those unsure about learning CPR:
"Our mission is to prepare individuals for emergencies. With my methods, this knowledge stays with you professionally and personally."
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palmpushers/
Heartbeat Essential Training (New York, NY)
[Image description: An instructor preparing for a class]
1) Why did you start teaching CPR?
"As a Respiratory Therapist, I often responded to emergencies. Teaching others became a natural extension."
2) Any real-life CPR experiences?
"Absolutely, both inside and outside clinical settings."
3) Favorite training moment?
"Teaching Girl Scouts and answering their creative questions."
4) Key tip for students?
"Stay confident and act without hesitation."
5) Words to the hesitant:
"Learning CPR equips you to help loved ones and neighbors."
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartbeatessential/
Nurse to Instructor (California)
[Image description: A friendly instructor]
1) Why CPR training?
"Seeing its importance firsthand as a nurse."
2) Real-life CPR experience?
"Yes, including a scary incident with my choking toddler."
3) Best training moment?
"Connecting with students and hearing about their career advancements."
4) Advice to students?
"Stay safe, remain calm, and do your best."
5) Encouragement for the undecided:
"If my 13-year-old can do it, so can you."
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asia_cprinstructor/
Arrow Safety (Glasgow, KY)
[Image description: A professional-looking instructor]
1) What inspired you?
"My firefighting/EMT background showed me the power of CPR."
2) Real-life CPR encounters?
"Too many to count!"
3) Favorite training moment?
"A student saved a co-worker using CPR and an AED."
4) Essential advice?
"Even imperfect CPR helps. Just try your best."
5) For the hesitant:
"CPR is simpler than you think. It could save a loved one."
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arrowsafetyllc/
Heart Charged
[Image description: Two smiling instructors]
1) What motivates you?
"Personal health conditions inspire us to empower others."
2) Real-life CPR experience?
"No direct experience yet."
3) Memorable training moment?
"Engaging 4,000 students through interactive sessions."
4) Key lesson shared?
"An AED guides you—it’s simple."
5) Message to the unsure:
"Don’t fear, just act. Any effort helps."
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartcharged/
CPR Ready LA (Los Angeles, CA)
[Image description: A professional trainer]
1) What sparked your passion?
"Years of experience in EMS and the ER inspired me."
2) Real-life CPR scenarios?
"Many tragic cases where lack of CPR doomed patients."
3) Favorite training moment?
"Receiving texts from former students who saved lives."
4) Important advice?
"If the patient says ‘ow’ twice, you can stop."
5) To the hesitant:
"Take a class—it’s life-changing."
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cprreadyla/
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