Making a difference!
According to the American Heart Association, 475,000 Americans die form cardiac arrest every year. Worldwide, cardiac arrest claims more lives than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, pneumonia, auto accidents, HIV, firearms, and house fires combined.
About 90 percent of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest die. CPR, especially if administered immediately after cardiac arrest, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. According to 2014 data, nearly 45 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when bystander CPR was administered.
As of today, 4 members of the Lasting Compressions community have reached back out to us and told us that they were able to use their training in an out-of-hospital cardiac emergency, and all 4 rescues were successful! There is nothing more reassuring than to know that we are accomplishing our mission!
We are thankful for the opportunity to serve others, touch lives and impact our community!!!
Growing
Things I’ve learned so far… Laughter is one of my favorite sounds. Everyone has a beautiful smile once you get them to share it. People remember more when they are having fun. Cell phones can help save lives but are also a distraction. CPR training brings back sad memories for some, but nothing that can’t be handled by a hug. Caregivers come in many different forms. Name-calling isn’t always bad… I like being called “the CPR guy”!
Beginnings
My name is Derek Walters. I am a Registered Nurse and the founder of Lasting Compressions. My story sounds like an acceptance speech at the Grammys mixed with your Grandmother’s favorite recipe for her delicious biscuits.
Every story has a beginning. My story begins with a dream. A dream to make a difference, pushed into motion with Faith and Trust, methodically mixed with the kindness of others, and slowly baked in the warmth of brotherly love, all along proving that differences in race, religion, age and background blend together quite nicely. The story behind Lasting Compressions is about kindness, generosity, support, compassion, and most importantly, laughter.
Thank you Lord for the amazing people that surround me.