Most people rarely consider learning CPR, believing it’s only needed for rare emergencies. But for healthcare professionals like Tazan Gallardo, knowledge of CPR can mean the difference between life and death on a daily basis.

### The Impact of CPR Training

Tazan Gallardo, an emergency trauma technician at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, performs CPR nearly every shift. He has successfully saved lives both at work and in his personal life. According to Gallardo, swiftly initiating CPR can prevent families from enduring loss and allows loved ones to cherish more years together.

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a critical skill that can revive someone when their heart stops. The primary goal is to keep blood and oxygen flowing to vital organs until professional help arrives. In light of National CPR and AED Awareness Week, it’s a perfect time to highlight the importance of these lifesaving skills.

### Why Bystander Intervention Matters

Dr. Gregory Hendey, who heads the department of emergency medicine at UCLA, emphasizes that the most crucial interventions during a cardiac arrest are actions taken by bystanders, not sophisticated treatments in a hospital. CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) significantly improve survival chances. Gallardo notes that the risk of serious brain damage increases within minutes of cardiac arrest, making immediate CPR essential.

Typically, emergency medical services (EMS) take at least five minutes to reach the scene. In that time, a person’s chance of survival decreases with every passing minute. Gallardo strongly believes that, more often than not, CPR will be needed for someone you care about, thus highlighting the importance of learning these life-saving techniques.

### How to Get Involved

The UCLA CPR and First Aid Program provides low-cost certification classes that teach invaluable skills in CPR and basic life support. These classes help demystify the process for novices, allowing them to practice and build confidence. According to Nathan Dung, the program’s co-director, learning CPR can take as little as 30 minutes to an hour—time well-spent considering it could save a life.

For many students, the fear of making mistakes often holds them back. Ryan Dickerson, a member of the student-run organization, encourages everyone to embrace the learning process. “Teaching CPR gives people the confidence to act in emergencies instead of freezing,” she says. This knowledge not only prepares individuals to assist others but also helps create safer communities.

### Overcoming the Fear

Many students enter CPR training feeling anxious about performing it incorrectly. However, through hands-on practice, this apprehension diminishes. Vignesh Neerathalingam, a fourth-year student, believes that teaching CPR on university campuses is essential for inspiring future lifesavers.

Dr. Hendey encourages everyone: “It’s far better to try to do CPR on a cardiac arrest victim than to wish you had jumped in.” In critical moments, even a little knowledge can make a significant impact.

### What this means for you

Understanding CPR is a vital skill that can save lives, especially in emergencies involving your loved ones. If you ever need to review any CPR-related documents or certification forms, legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>AI legalese decoder can translate it into plain English in seconds. Taking the time to learn CPR is a small investment that can yield life-altering benefits for your friends and family.

Source: https://dailybruin.com/2026/06/04/medical-professionals-club-emphasize-cpr-aed-skills-amid-national-awareness-week/