The significance of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) in increasing the odds of survival during a medical emergency is widely recognized. Despite this knowledge, many individuals remain hesitant to invest the time to learn this crucial life-saving technique. In a bid to inspire more people to acquire CPR skills, California CPR instructor Chris Pietroforte has employed an unexpected and heartwarming approach: his own 2-year-old daughter, Saige.
With an extensive background as a firefighter and EMT spanning 19 years, Chris now operates Central Valley CPR in Tulare, California. Demonstrating the proper CPR technique through Saige’s involvement has yielded positive results within his clientele.
Chris passionately states, “I tell people all the time, if a 2-year-old can learn, why can’t you? So there’s no excuse for that.”
Saige, who has attended numerous CPR instructional sessions led by her father, effortlessly takes on the role of an instructor. When it’s her turn to demonstrate the use of a defibrillator and the necessary maneuvers, she executes them flawlessly.
“She actually goes to all my classes when I teach, and she demonstrates how to do it… So she’s in there, and I tell people that if they can’t outdo her, they won’t pass, and that’s actually happened a couple times. I had someone drop out of an EMT class because she outdid him, and he was embarrassed and he left because he didn’t wanna be outdone by a 2-year-old.”
In a brief demonstration video posted on Chris’s Facebook page, viewers are treated to a front-row view of Saige’s remarkable skills. Following the instructions of an automatic defibrillator, Saige confidently proceeds. With a determined “Clear!” she triggers the electronic shock to the dummy’s heart, seamlessly transitioning to chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Chris employs his daughter’s demonstration to underscore the simplicity of learning CPR. He points out that while adults often align their chest compression pace with the rhythm of “Stayin’ Alive,” any song with a similar beat can serve younger learners just as well. In fact, he humorously suggests the viral sensation “Baby Shark” as an engaging option for teaching young children.
“My goal is to get as many people out there trained… And the more people trained, the better it is out there for society.”
Saige sets a remarkable example for both parents and children who might underestimate the need to acquire CPR skills. One never knows when the ability to save a life might be required, and the more tools one possesses, the better equipped they are. Hats off to Chris and Saige for their extraordinary efforts!
