Ryan Fowles was an Eagle Scout. Many years ago, he had to complete the first aid merit badge, which included first aid and CPR training.
Ryan and his cousin attended a first aid course at the LDS stake center in Gunnison, Utah when they were 11 or 12 years old. When he first learned CPR, he prayed he would never need it. Fortunately, he had always remembered his CPR training, even as an adult.
A few years ago, while bringing up some hay on his farm, his cousin had to do CPR on a man who had collapsed. Ryan's cousin told him about his experience and how the paramedics on the phone guided him through performing CPR correctly. In fact, he just recently discovered that CPR recommendations are revised every two years.
Many years later in college Ryan was eating lunch and the thought hit him to head to class early. Professor Baker was on the ground, and another student, Jacob Probert, was assessing his vital signs as he neared the PE building's corner.
He initially assumed it was a practice drill and tried to stay away thinking, "This is an ideal site for a teacher to lay up a dummy for students to practice CPR." Still, as he went closer he realized Professor Baker wasn't a training dummy and something wasn't right.
Jacob started compressions after informing Ryan that the professor was not breathing. His preparation began.
After starting CPR for a while, Jared Wenn and an off-duty EMT arrived with emergency supplies. While he kept giving Jacob rescue breaths, Jared and the off-duty EMT helped Jacob with chest compressions. While he kept giving Jacob rescue breaths, Jared and the off-duty EMT helped Jacob with chest compressions.
EMT personnel are required to get CPR certification and sometimes BLS certifications.
He went to class after the paramedics took over when they arrived. When he discovered that they had actually saved Professor Baker's life, Ryan was relieved.
In light of that event, he frequently considers the Spider-Man adage, "With great power comes tremendous responsibility," as Ryan believes knowledge to be a type of power.
He was taught to be responsible and to put in the necessary effort to finish the assignment. He was delighted to have the CPR training to help someone else when needed.
Ryan has been referred to as a hero, but he didn't believe that. His kids are the only ones he wanted to tell him that he was a hero.
"If I don't accept responsibility and strive to be the best person I can be, how can others perceive me as a hero?
Everyone should receive first aid CPR training to be prepared and able to apply it if necessary.