Back in 2021, I signed up for an adult and child CPR & First Aid course. It was more of a “just in case” thing. Each certification lasts two years, so when 2024 rolled around, I took a refresher — didn’t think much of it, just figured a little knowledge never hurts.
Around that same time, I had also watched a few first aid videos about choking, but honestly, I didn’t expect any of it to stick.
I certainly didn’t expect I’d ever need to use it in real life.
Until yesterday morning.
I was at a senior community center, in a tai chi class. Most of the members were up and flowing with the instructor’s movements. One member, though, was sitting quietly off to the side — behind me, just slightly to my right.
Now, I tend to be someone who notices the little things, and I felt something shift in the room.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her struggling — her movements weren’t right.
Then she stood up, slowly, turned slightly toward me… and I saw her lips were turning blue.
he couldn’t breathe.
I rushed over.
“Are you choking?” I asked.
She nodded — barely.
Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around her from behind and started the Heimlich maneuver.
No time to get her permission. No time to hesitate.
Seconds felt like forever.
But then — a breath.
She started to breathe again.
I helped her sit down, and instinctively reached for a Bach Rescue Cream I had in my bag to help her calm down. (Wish I had my lavender oil too — but you work with what you’ve got.)
Afterward, people asked me, “How did you stay so calm? You just reacted.”
Honestly, I’m not sure. Maybe it’s part of who I am — I’ve always had this instinct in emergencies. I’m probably the type of person who, if there were a fire, would tell everyone to stay calm and direct people out of the building with a quiet voice. Some call it cold — I call it clear.
I never imagined I’d actually use any of the first aid techniques I learned.
I certainly never thought I’d be the reason someone got to go home to their family today.
But here we are.
And I’m grateful — not just that she’s okay, but that I was able to help.
So this is me, gently encouraging you:
✨ Take that CPR course.
✨ Watch those first aid videos.
✨ Refresh your knowledge every couple of years.
Not because you have to.
But because, one day, you might be the one who sees it happen.
You might be the only one who notices.
And you’ll be ready.
Even if your heart is racing.
Even if it happens in the blink of an eye.
Because helping someone breathe again… is something you’ll never forget.
Legal Protections: Good Samaritan Laws
Most places in the U.S. (and many other countries) have Good Samaritan Laws that protect bystanders who try to help in an emergency. In the U.S.: All 50 states have some form of Good Samaritan Law. These laws protect you from civil liability as long as: You act in good faith. You’re not being grossly negligent. You don’t expect payment or reward. You provide care that’s within your training (e.g., don't try advanced medical procedures you’re not trained for). So basically: if you see someone in cardiac arrest and you try to help by doing CPR, you're protected by law in most cases.