What it’s like to die
Recently took a CPR class in Seattle. Not for any particular reason, just because it seemed like a handy skill to pick up for two hours time invested.  I learned a few interesting bits of trivia.<p>--Seattle has the highest survival rate for heart stop events in the world at 56%.  That's because of pioneering advances in EMT training, broad availability of AEDs, high percentage of people trained, etc.<p>--When I asked for a point of comparison, he said Detroit was 4%.<p>--AEDs don't actually bring you back to consciousness.  They just make CPR more effective. (much more!)<p>--Bad CPR is much better than no CPR.  So much so that high end AEDs will actually teach you CPR with voice prompts, since it's better than sitting there.  Some 911 operators will coach you through it as well.  Even if your CPR is rusty, it's worth trying.<p>--Modern CPR (for adults) no longer includes rescue breaths. Mouth-to-mouth was too much of a turnoff, and chest compressions alone are very effective given the response times of ambulances.<p>--And most importantly - $40 and two hours can save a life! You can set yourself up here: <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/CPR_UCM_001118_SubHomePage.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/CPR_UCM_001118_SubHo...</a>