Erin Hodder did not expect that she must use her CPR training. It was necessary for her profession as a pharmacist to administer injections.
Last July, the Bay Roberts resident was faced with a potential life-or-death scenario. Along with a qualified individual who happened to be at the Carbonear Walmart where she was working at the time, Hodder helped in making a difference.
Late last month, Hodder and Harbour Grace firefighter and first aid instructor Paul Snow received awards on delivering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a woman who collapsed to the ground within the store.
Snow was out together with his wife shopping on their way to the checkout when someone called out for help.
Timely assistance
Upon reaching the woman, someone else was there and Snow asked them to call an ambulance. He checked to see what happened and how the woman fainted but could not see any shelves that tipped over. When he got down and checked up, she was bleeding.
His presence at the store was considered as a stroke of luck. Snow has taught first aid for more than 30 years and in his 38th year with the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The situation inside the store was different for Snow. Once the pair realized that there was no pulse and her breathing was shallow, they had to act. Snow looked after the chest compressions as Hodder delivered breaths into the woman. They continued to do this until the arrival of the paramedic that transported the woman to Carbonear General Hospital.
Importance of first aid training
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can save a life. Prompt delivery of life-saving techniques improves the chances of survival during emergencies.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a first aid class and for more information, check out these sources: