National CPR/AED Week: How Chris Knight Died Five Times and Lived to Tell About It

written by Katie Josephson, volunteer contributor



In honor of National CPR/AED Awareness Week, we'd like to share a story with you, and then we need you to take action. Is that a fair trade? We'll let you be the judge.

Chris Knight works today at the American Red Cross Amarillo chapter.



Meet Chris Knight. Chris spent 18 years working in radio stations across the U.S. before settling permanently in Amarillo, TX where he worked in radio and television.

In 2008, he visited Naperville, Illinois for a relative's wedding. "It was August 9, 2008 at 10:30 on a Saturday morning. I was outside the Marriott hotel with my wife in the lobby. That's when I dropped dead. There was no warning, whatsoever. I face planted and my glasses smashed against the ground."

Luckily for Chris, a policewoman was around the corner and responded in less than three minutes. The officer also had an AED (automated external defibrillator), which applies electric therapy to stop cardiac arrhythmias.

"I had sudden cardiac arrest. The policewoman used the AED to administer a shock, but the first time I didn't respond. Then she shocked me again with the AED and my heart started beating."

Not only was a nearby policewoman prepared with a life-saving AED, but also an unidentified man stepped in to help as soon as Chris fell and performed CPR for almost seven minutes. “The man must have been well trained in CPR because he did it right – my whole chest and ribs were cracked The ambulance arrived. They took me to Edwards Hospital in Naperville, one of the top cardiac hospitals in the country. My heart stopped in the ambulance and they shocked me again. Then my heart stopped when we got to the hospital and they revived me. And then on the table, my heart stopped twice more. I died five times, and each time they brought me back."

The hospital called Dr. Mark Duerinck, a local cardiologist who was in downtown Chicago teaching a cardiology class. "He knew immediately what happened to me and told the hospital staff to wait for him to arrive before treating me." Chris had a double, right-sided event and all of his platelets exploded.

He spent the next seven days in a coma. "At one time, I had 17 machines keeping me alive. I couldn't breath on my own. They also put me into a thermal blanket and lowered my body temperature to 38 degrees so doctors could examine me more closely to understand what was wrong."

Chris spent 30 days in the hospital. During his stay, he had pneumonia twice, three full blood transfusions and a defibrillator and pacemaker were implanted in him.



Making Lifestyle Changes After Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Experiencing sudden cardiac arrest took a physical and emotional toll on Chris as well as his family and friends.

"After the incident, I lost 35 pounds. I started therapy two weeks after getting home and it took me four months to roll over in bed. It took about a year to feel half-way decent again."


Chris took dramatic steps to improve his health and lifestyle. "Before sudden cardiac arrest, I felt like I was six feet tall and bullet proof. But after the incident, it's like—not really. My whole perspective is different now."

"I've never had another cigarette. I rarely drink. I quit eating terribly. I was the poster boy for fast food restaurants, and now I exercise nearly every day. You wouldn't even know I died five times by looking at me."

He is fortunate appreciative of for the police and medical staff who saved his life as well as the family and friends who prayed for him during his recovery. "The support I received was absolutely amazing; I was incredibly lucky to be where I was when this happened to me, and I am grateful to all of the people who supported my recovery."



Family members and friends also have to deal with the effects of sudden cardiac arrests. "The incident was extremely hard on my wife. To see your spouse walking one minute and drop dead the next - I can't imagine. No one dies and comes back."



Becoming a Health Advocate

According to the Mayo Clinic, "sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) usually results from an electrical disturbance in your heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping blood flow to the rest of your body."

Following sudden cardiac arrest, Chris transitioned from a career in radio and television to a position with the Red Cross as the Executive Director in the Panhandle Area.

"I'm very passionate about safety, training and the mission of the Red Cross. I still get freaked out about what happened to me. I still go back to the question - why am I here? I want to help prepare my community with AEDs and life-saving training."

The American Red Cross, through Health and Safety Services, offers CPR and AED training. Chris is always happy to explain that the machine is one of the reasons he is here today. He also speaks to civic groups about the American Red Cross and AEDs.

Chris also speaks to a therapy group for people who have had open heart surgery. "We talk about what people are going through. Empathy and listening is important because the recovery and therapy process is challenging."



Your Turn: How to Take Action

Chris recommends you take the following steps in order to be prepared for health emergencies:

• Learn more & be prepared: Sign up for a CPR/AED class and learn hands-only CPR from this Red Cross video. Know where AEDs are at your office, gym, church and more. Help for Sudden Cardiac Arrest often comes from bystanders.

• Listen to your body: "Don't brush aside funny feelings or if you're not well. I felt completely fine and had great blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But I smoked, I was diabetic and had a lot of stress. Don't put off talking to your doctor about not feeling well."

• Enjoy every day: "Every day is a new day. Enjoy it. Treat people well and don't take what you have for granted. I know I did. Now I try not to."

Please share with your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers.

To sign up for an American Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED course, go to redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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Being Red Cross Ready For Your Pet: Making a First Aid Kit for your Dog or Cat

written by American Red Cross volunteer Tonya Solis-Mosby

Video c/o American Red Cross Greater New York

On a sunny, blue skyed day there are few greater places to be than outside with your pet. However, for many of us who took shelter in last week's tornado outbreak, our furry friends were also bunkered by our sides, proving their loyalty in good times and more uncertain ones. We've urged you before to remember to keep your family safe by preparing a disaster safety kit. Why not spread the love to all members of your family by including a Pet First Aid Kit in your safety pack?

In case of pet injuries or life-threatening accidents, are you prepared?


One of the first things to remember is, just as with people, the first few minutes after a catastrophe could mean the difference between life and death for a dog or cat. Pet owners should remember pet first aid is only the temporary leading to an immediate veterinary visit.

To get through those emergencies, pet owners should be equipped with a pet first aid kit. If you don’t have one packed, here are just a few items that might help in case of injuries:

1) A pair of gloves to help prevent the spread of germs (person-to-pet and pet-to-person).

2) Gauze for wrapping wounds or to muzzle an injured pet.

3) Nonstick bandages, towels or strips of clean cloth to control bleeding or to protect wounds.

4) Adhesive tape to secure the gauze wrap or bandage. Human adhesive bandages such as Band-Aids should not be used on pets.

In case of poisoning, pet owners might also add the following to the pet first aid kit:

1) Milk of magnesia/activated charcoal to absorb the poison.

2) Hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomit (A very important reminder: contact a veterinarian or poison control before inducing vomiting).

Other items to include in your pet’s first aid kit:

1) A digital thermometer to check your pet’s temperature (rectally only).

2) An eyedropper or a large syringe (without a needle) to give oral treatments or to flush wounds.

3) A muzzle to prevent biting. (Remember to never muzzle a vomiting pet!)

4) A leash for easy transport.

5) A stretcher (can be made of a board, blanket or floor mat) to stabilize an injured pet.

While a pet first aid kit is great to have on hand, knowing exactly what to do for your pet in case of injury or poisoning can also be helpful. Tips on caring for your pet in times of crises can also be found in two publications of the American Red Cross – Dog First Aid by Red Cross Ready and Cat First Aid by Red Cross Ready can be purchased online here.
Be Red Cross Ready to save your pets in times of injury, poisoning or disaster! Have a plan and a kit. More information can be obtained from redcross.org.

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Staying Lucky – And Safe! – at Outdoor Parades and Festivals

By Joanna Jordan, American Red Cross volunteer


St. Patrick’s Day is a big event in Dallas, with one of the largest parades in the country taking place in the middle of the city. We’re lucky to have such a spirited display of Irish pride and green shirts and faces. And you can stay lucky (and safe!) at your city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade or any other outdoor event by following a few health and safety tips.

1. Have a separation plan. If you’re going to an outdoor event with kids, make sure you talk about where to go and what to do if you get separated. Determine a meeting place that’s easy for kids to find.

2. Leave pets at home. Unless the event is advertised as pet friendly, you’ll want to leave your furry friends at home.

3. Dress appropriately. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring extra supplies if you’ll need to reapply. (Read your sunscreen bottle to determine when to reapply; every SPF is different!)

4. Bring water and snacks. You’ll want plenty of water, especially as temperatures heat up. Find out if the venue has water fountains where you can fill up your bottle. If you can’t fill up, you’ll want to bring more bottles. Snacks are a good idea, especially if you’re planning to be at the event for three hours or more or if you have kids with you.

5. Keep hand-held items to a minimum. One bag is plenty. The more you bring, the more you have a chance to lose.

6. Use caution when eating food cooked outdoors. Make sure your meat is fully cooked and any dairy is properly chilled.

7. Bring or wear insect repellent. If you’ll be spending your time at a park or other grassy area, you may need insect repellent. Spray it on before you go and as needed throughout the day.

8. Wash your hands after handling animals. If you’re at a petting zoo, or just a place where you’ve handled dogs or other animals, be sure to wash your hands before you eat. Hand sanitizer will work in place of soap and water if you’re in a pinch.

With just a little planning, you can stay safe (and lucky!) this St. Patrick’s Day and on into summer. Find out more about health and safety tips at RedCrossDallas.org

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Going Out or Staying In: How to Have the Best New Year's, Red Cross Style

Pick out a glitter-clad outfit; break out the horns and tiaras and find someone to kiss because it's New Year's Eve! Whether you're going out for a show-stopping Big D NYE celebration or hosting the best party in town at your place or on your boat, you'll want to check out these tips for a safe and fun celebration with your besties.

Staying In

The Decor

• Be aware of open flames around highly flammable paper decor and aerosol streamers.
• Designate one place for your guests to smoke, preferably outside, on either the porch or in the yard.
• Don't hang decorations where they may come loose and block an entryway or exit, like hide-and-seek-friendly closets.
• Remember decorations can pose a choking threat for children and adults alike. A good rule of thumb is, if an object can be passed through an empty toilet paper roll, it can be a choking hazard. Brush up on CPR and first aid before hosting the party of the year.
• Metal noisemakers with bells and whistles may be dropped and damaged. If they do, they could have sharp edges or cause someone to trip or choke.
• Double check your Red Cross Ready Kit and replenish it for the New Year.

The Kiddies

• Don't overlook the little ones! Prevent unwanted tumbles and wandering into unsafe areas by keeping stairways and dangerous areas closed off.
• Keep kid-friendly punch in different cups and in different color than the adult version.
• Curious fingers like to touch all the cool new stuff all over the house. Remember to keep in mind kids when buying party favors.

The Pets

• Pets love decorations as much as you do. Pick them up if they fall or break to keep them from becoming a danger to man's best friend.
• If people will be coming and going, keep your pets out of areas where they may get loose and wander outside.
• Keep the pets and kids safe by watching their interactions. Many accidents between the two can be avoided by separation.
• Don't put your pet in a situation of confusion and loud noises. Keep them in a safe, quiet place for the majority of the party and bring them out when things are more quiet and less chaotic.
• Fido needs his party clothes on too. Make sure your pet has his shots and his collar has an identification tag on it so if your pet goes missing, you can get him or her back.

Firearms and Fireworks

• Some people celebrate New Year's Eve with fireworks and firearms. Remember they are unstable and unpredictable and only as good as the person who makes them.
• Explosives are safest in no hands - in other words, leave the fireworks and explosives to the professionals.
• Children are very curious and will take the chance to get their hands on a firearm if possible.
• Adults who have been drinking and firearms don't mix well either. Keep the unattainable during a party and be aware of your surroundings.

Boaters, Be'ware

• If you'll be on a boat, wear your lifevest... consider it your New Year's bling. It's safe and fashion-forward.
• Don't drink and drive - period.
• The coast guard can request a safety inspection of your boat at any time. Don't go places you aren't familiar with and keep land in sight at all times.
• Turn your lights on if you'll be on the water after dark.
• No explosives. A sunk boat cannot get you safely back to land.
• Know the laws and rules of the water to keep your family and friends safe.

Out on the town

• Don't drink and drive - it bears repeating here. A designated driver or cab costs much less than a DWI, jail time or possible loss of life.
• If you are the designated driver, get a headcount before party-hopping.
• Don't leave a party with someone you don't know. It's better to go out with friends than to go alone.
• Don't leave your food or beverages unattended. It's easy for someone to slip something into your drink while it's in your hand, so imagine how much easier it is if you aren't paying attention.
• Don't accept drinks from a stranger. If someone wants to buy you a drink, get it directly from the bartender or waitress.
• Watch your exits! If you need to get out of there quickly, you'll need to know where to go.

So, brush up on the the words of Auld Lang Syne and have a happy (and safe) New Year's Eve! What are your New Year's plans?

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Stay Safe This Summer

More Summer Safety Tips

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Make this Fourth of July Fun and Safe! (Part 3)

Firework Fun

If shiny things and loud noises are right up your alley, then you’re in luck because the Fourth of July is best known for its firework displays. However, fireworks aren’t all fun and games, and can in fact be quite dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, approximately 9,000 fireworks injuries resulting in emergency room treatment occur every year. Don’t become a statistic by following these tips:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.



• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.



• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.



• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."



• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.



• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.



• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.



• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

For more safety tips or to register for a water safety, first aid or CPR/AED course, visit www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!