If a family member or co-worker were having a heart attack, would you know what to do?
One little rock company is hoping to save lives by passing on a few vital skills to its employees.
It can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Keith Caldarera
Parker Lexus - Sales Manager
"About three years ago .. Just moving around here in the dealership and walking across the showroom floor - started feeling my heart beat like it was going to beat out of my chest. Before I knew it, I was dizzy and passed out."
An unlikely candidate for heart disease, at 35 years old, Keith Caldarera was diagnosed with WPW Syndrome, an electrical malfunction of the heart.
Luckily for Keith, he came to in a matter of seconds and doctors were able to surgically correct the problem.
"Im 35 years old thinking I am going to die. That kind of woke me up to heart disease."
According to recent health statistics, more than 910,000 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each year - and its the leading cause of premature death and permanent disability across the workforce.
After his close call, Keith and his boss decided to take a pro-active approach by providing CPR training to all employees at Parker Lexus through the American Heart Association.
"Make sure scene is safe - scene is safe - check for responsiveness - tap them on the shoulder."
"We have had another employee within the last three years that has actually died of a heart attack. Not here at the facility, but it really kind of wakened us up to the fact that we really need to know something to save a life."
"Its really important that you have good posture locking your arms over the person so that you dont tire out."
Marlene Vadjunec
American Heart Association
" To be able to give them the knowledge to perform CPR and to act in an emergency can actually save a life. We wish there were more employers out there to take that next step to make it a safer environment for all of us."
Parker Lexus was also the title sponsor this year for the American Heart Associations golf tournament - helping to raise about 130 thousand dollars.
If you are interested in providing CPR training for your employees, contact the American Heart Association at (501) 375-9148.
