I spent most of yesterday in a Red Cross CPR and first aid training class as part of my Spokesman-Review safety committee duties.
About 30 years ago, I took a CPR class and so much has changed.
I was surprised how hard you have to do the chest compressions. It's a good sign if you hear the ribs cracking, the instructor told us.
A panel on the mannequins lights up if you are exerting enough pressure, and I often wasn't. It was exhausting.
The instructor stressed to always have someone call 911, and in the class, I felt so grateful there is a 911. In an emergency, if no one else knew CPR, I hope I would have the courage to do CPR.
But I hope I never have to, thanks to 911.
Writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., addresses issues facing aging baby boomers and seniors as well as issues of serious illness, death and dying, grief and loss.
Ask a question: Catherine welcomes questions about aging issues and grief. Email her at endnotescolumn@gmail.com.
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