by Donna RyanBe Proactive – Sign Up for Heartsaver CPR You can’t just press “911” and hope for the best. In a cardiac emergency, every second matters, and survival often depends on what happens before paramedics arrive. Each day, nearly 1,000 people in the United States suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Most of these […]
by Donna RyanPhoto from Family Seconds from Tragedy, a Neighborhood Sprung into Action On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 17-year-old Riley Broadhurst, a Fleming Island High senior and competitive Ninja Warrior athlete, set out for what should have been a routine run. He was just doors away from his home on Castille Drive when he suddenly collapsed in […]
by Donna RyanThe Schammert family (clockwise from top left): Kym, Bill, and sons Cameron and Theo. (Photo – Emily Hardy Photography) First Reported April 2021 The moment that would change everything started with something as simple as the sniffles. For Bill and Kym Schammert, what began as a routine precautionary visit to their pediatrician became a parent’s […]
by Donna RyanShawn Martin and his family First Reported, January 26, 2026, St. Elizabeth Hospital – When Shawn Martin suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest during a morning walk, his wife, Emily, immediately triggered a remarkable sequence of events that saved his life. Just three days later, Shawn walked out of the hospital, an extraordinary recovery that defied […]
by Donna RyanCardiac arrest survivor Mary Gordon (left) with her fiancé, Matt Costakis. (Photo from Mary Gordon) First Reported August 2021 Mary Gordon had always been the picture of health. At 37, she was the kind of person who conquered 5K races and powered through intense cycling sessions without breaking stride. Her body was her ally, reliable […]
by Donna RyanIn hospital settings, emergency response is governed by standards, protocols, and measurable outcomes. Registered nurses play a central role in early recognition of patient deterioration, initiation of CPR, and coordination of interdisciplinary code response. Maintaining clinical focus during high-acuity events is essential not only for patient survival, but also for compliance with institutional policies and […]
by Donna RyanHigh-quality CPR remains the single most important factor in improving survival from sudden cardiac arrest. Modern American Heart Association (AHA) resuscitation guidelines emphasize that how CPR is performed matters just as much as whether CPR is started at all. One of the most commonly overlooked components of effective CPR is complete chest recoil between compressions. […]
by Donna RyanBe Ready When It Counts Babysitting is not just supervision. It is responsibility. When parents leave their children with a sitter, they expect more than someone who can keep them entertained. They expect someone who can respond when something goes wrong. In Pennsylvania, babysitters who are trained in CPR and First Aid stand out immediately. […]
by Donna RyanBuild Trust Before You Take Responsibility If you live in Minnesota and plan to earn money babysitting, CPR and First Aid training should come first. Parents are no longer just hiring someone to watch their child. They are trusting someone with their child’s life. Babysitters ages 11 and up can dramatically increase their credibility and […]
by Donna RyanBe Prepared Before You Watch Someone Else’s Child Any Florida babysitter, age 12 and up, should be trained before taking responsibility for a child’s safety. Parents today expect more than just a friendly face. They want someone who can act quickly and correctly in an emergency. Children get hurt. Choking happens. Pools, playgrounds, asthma, allergies, […]
by Donna RyanMarch 14, 2025 A Christmas tree farmer’s foresight to purchase an AED became the difference between life and death when cardiac arrest struck in the middle of nowhere. Michael Loughran and his dog, Bourbon, on the Christmas tree farm. (Photo courtesy of the Loughran family) A Precautionary Purchase That Saved a Life When Michael and […]
by Donna RyanSudden cardiac death (SCD) is a devastating event, often striking without warning and leaving profound consequences for families and communities. It occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, leading to a rapid loss of consciousness and, if not treated promptly, death. While numerous factors contribute to the risk of SCD, including underlying heart conditions, […]
by Donna RyanEagle County resident credits workplace CPR training for miraculous rescue February 22, 2024 The photo shows Jenna and Steve Beairsto at Jenna’s wedding in 2023 (Ashlie Bramely, Bramley Co Photography/Courtesy Photo). For Jenna Beairsto, the CPR certification required by her job seemed like just another workplace training requirement. She never imagined it would become the […]
by Donna RyanBeing a part of the workforce with a heart condition requires careful consideration of job demands and potential stressors. Certain occupations may exacerbate heart-related issues, while others can offer a supportive and less demanding environment. This article outlines some of the worst and best jobs for people with heart trouble, along with strategies for managing […]
by Donna Ryan