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Red Cross retiree learns value of CPR training
Molly Dalton
Friday, May 30, 2008 — No one knows the importance of taking CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training more than American Red Cross retiree Sharon Lazzara. Sharon learned the value of her CPR training when she was able to help her husband, Roger, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest in their Rochester, N.Y. area home in October of last year.
American Red Cross retiree Sharon Lazzara helped her husband, Roger, when he went into sudden cardiac arrest. According to Sharon, “Everyone should take a class because you never know when you are going to need it.” (Photo Credit: The Lazzara Family)
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“You don't ever expect to have to use it,” she said, “especially on someone you love. If it hadn't been for me, he wouldn't have survived.”
It was just two weeks after the couple had returned from a trip to Italy to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. Roger Lazzara was sitting at the kitchen table reading the newspaper when he “just keeled over,” according to Sharon. She called 911 and was told emergency personnel were on their way, but that she should perform CPR until they arrived. “I was nervous, but they talked me through it,” Sharon related, “I did CPR until the paramedics took over.”
Roger was unconscious for some time when he reached the hospital. Doctors told Sharon he might have brain damage. Roger was in an induced coma for 48 hours to prevent any further trauma. Tests revealed former blockages were still clear from the open heart surgery he had in 1998 but he now needed to have a pacemaker and a defibrillator. He underwent major surgery and was receptive to his treatment. Mr. Lazzara has now made a full recovery.
“Roger and I took a CPR class together,” Sharon said, “Everyone should take a class because you never know when you are going to need it.”
Sharon recently retired from her position in the finance department of the Greater Rochester (NY) Red Cross Chapter, a position she held for eight years. Previously she worked as a branch manager for M&T Bank in the Penfield, NY area. She said she looks forward to many more trips with Roger, her husband and best friend.
Congress has set aside June 1-7 as the first annual CPR/AED Awareness Week to spotlight how lives can be saved if more Americans know CPR and how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). In the declaration, Congress is asking states and municipalities to make AEDs more publicly accessible. During this week, Red Cross chapters across the country will conduct CPR/AED classes and demonstrations, host events, and provide educational information on the importance of CPR and AED training. Red Cross joins the American Heart Association and National Safety Council in recognizing the significance of this week.
Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of more than 166,000 people in this country every year. Sadly, an astonishing 94 percent of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest die before reaching a hospital.
American Red Cross training in CPR and proper use of an AED can provide people the knowledge and confidence to respond during an emergency situation with skills that can save a life. Red Cross recommends that at least one person in every household and place of business receive this training.
Whether you want to be able to help a loved one at home, help someone in your work place, or use your training professionally, Red Cross can give you the knowledge and skills to be able to help. To find out more, contact your local Red Cross chapter, or call 1-800 RED CROSS. You can see photos of Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member and Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Matt Leinart receive training, view an online tutorial demonstrating CPR and AED techniques and see video accounts of real lives saved on this website.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
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