Preface – Why I Wrote This Book
Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet so many lives can be saved each year through prompt and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Despite this fact, most people hesitate to act — often because of fear, uncertainty, or the thought that someone else knows better. I’ve seen that hesitation cost precious seconds — and sometimes a life. But I have also witnessed the opposite: a moment of courage that turns panic into purpose and hopelessness into a heartbeat.
As a nurse and CPR instructor, I’ve stood in both worlds — the quiet before a code blue and the rush when a team comes together to bring someone back. I wrote this book to bridge that gap for everyone — whether you’re a student, a parent, a caregiver, or just someone who might be present when a life hangs in the balance.
This book doesn’t replace certification training. Instead, it gives you the knowledge and confidence to recognize an emergency, respond appropriately, and understand why immediate action matters so deeply. You don’t need to be a doctor or nurse to save a life. You just need to be willing to learn, remember, and act.
Every story, every real-life example you’ll read here comes from that truth — that an ordinary person, with the right knowledge and courage, can do something extraordinary.
I hope these pages empower you to be that person — the one who steps forward when every second counts.