On National CPR and AED Awareness Week, share your lifesaving story

Cardiac-related incidents are the No. 1 reason a fatality is reported within Scouting.

That sobering fact, provided by BSA Health and Safety Team Leader Richard Bourlon, is all it should take to convince you that CPR and AED training is worth your time.

Or you could just ask Jose Lepervanche.

The Scouter from Jacksonville, Fla., was at a council camp in Georgia when he suddenly collapsed. After calling 911, Scouts rushed to his side and tried to revive him. Fortunately for Lepervanche, the camp had purchased an AED, or automated external defibrillator, and used it to save his life. (Read his full story here.)

Both times I’ve talked to Lepervanche in person, at the 2010 and 2013 national jamborees, he has shared his story and asked me to remind everyone I can that AEDs really do save lives. He is, quite literally, living proof.

Lepervanche’s story, plus the fact that this week is National CPR and AED Awareness Week, got me wondering about other CPR and/or AED saves within Scouting. Have you helped save a life or had your life saved?

If so, please share your story in the comments as a reminder to us all to get trained.

After all, as adult Scout leaders we have a great interest in encouraging our Scouts to know all they can about CPR and AEDs. These very Scouts may be called upon to save our lives some day.

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About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.