A VERY IMPORTANT EVENT
As the holder of a USCG 500 GT Master of Oceans certification, this comes with some significant training along with their respective re-certifications. One of the requirements is something that everyone should have, but especially on a vessel: CPR training.
If you understand “A Prudent Mariner” you understand that it is about safety aboard. Safety in all areas. I have been encouraged by family to share an event that happened, as it absolutely can relate to safety aboard.
On Nov. 5th, 2022, at 2351 (11:51pm), my wife suffered cardiac arrest. Circumstances were that I happened to hear her collapse. I went to see what had happened, and saw there was a serious issue, she was turning blue and unresponsive to me. I called 911 and IMMEDIATELY began CPR.
I have taken CPR and have been recertified many times, never thinking I would need to use it on anyone, let alone my wife. It was the game changer. Paramedics got there in amazing time and took over for me along with using a defibrillator 4 times to restart her heart. Paramedics and hospital staff informed me that, had I not done the CPR prior to their arrival, life would be very different for my wife today.
I know many people may have CPR training already, but I encourage you to repeat it.
CPR is going to be offered as part of the training in 2023 and forward. The cost of the class will not increase, and you can set this up at your leisure. I feel it is that important.
Captain Russ