Shortly after joining TTI, I volunteered to serve as a workplace first responder. Having worked as a lifeguard when I was younger, I already had CPR and AED training and wanted to put those skills to good use if they were ever needed.

Not long afterward, those skills were put to the test. A coworker I knew well began experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing. Two other first responders and I arrived within moments with oxygen and an AED, prepared to do whatever was necessary. From his appearance and demeanor, I knew we were facing a potentially life-threatening situation.

Fortunately, paramedics arrived quickly and transported him to the hospital, where doctors discovered he was having a heart attack caused by a 95% blockage. Thanks to the rapid response and medical care he received, he survived.

That experience reinforced how critical it is for everyday people to be prepared to respond during a cardiac emergency. It also showed me that lifesaving skills like CPR are not difficult to learn, yet they can make all the difference when seconds count.

I proudly support the American Heart Association and its mission to raise awareness about heart disease, expand CPR education, and empower more people with the knowledge and confidence to save lives.