carol mathewson's blog

I was very excited to be invited to help the Tacoma Fire Department put on their CPR Sunday. It took place on 10/10/10 and is held once a year, Volunteer firefighters and EMTs teach CPR classes. This year was the largest day they ever had...more than 850 people learned CPR. I was able to tell my SCA survivor story before each class.

I’ve always been in peak physical condition, very healthy and extremely active….running, hiking, kayaking and biking.  But on August 17, 2008, I suffered sudden cardiac arrest while swimming in the Danskin Triathlon and disappeared underneath the water.  What saved my life was the quick action of volunteers at the event who saw me go under and started CPR and the quick response by emergency medical personnel at the scene.