I commend Gazette staff writer Alexa Lewis’ reporting on the Shutesbury resident who saved the life of his friend by performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in “You’re not done,” [Aug. 10]. Michael Haynak, his friend Frank Grindrod, their family and friends, and our community are privileged to read about this remarkable outcome!

As a 36-year paramedic, I have witnessed others who have not been as fortunate. Here’s what can happen: A person collapses at home. Someone calls 9-1-1, but nothing is done until EMTs arrive. By that time, it’s too late. The person often succumbs to cardiac arrest or ends up with significant brain damage. Bystander CPR is a skill that everyone can learn. By delivering chest compressions on someone who is experiencing a cardiac arrest, you will help circulate oxygenated blood to the brain and throughout the body. Your actions will keep the heart and brain viable until EMTs arrive on the scene.

The American Heart Association recommends compression-only CPR (CO-CPR) in circumstances when rescuers are unwilling or unable to perform mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. Over the years, evidence has emerged to support the efficacy of CO-CPR and its positive impact on bystander CPR rates. Bystander CPR, as well as other American Heart Association classes, are offered at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. I encourage anyone who is interested in learning this valuable skill, like Frank Grindrod had done, to attend a bystander CPR course in their community. You may never need to perform CPR, but if you learn CPR you can nearly double the person’s chance of survival from cardiac arrest.

Mark Willard Dion, NREMT-Paramedic

Northampton