We keep hearing how important CPR training and education is. Now the message has been reinforced by an unexpected source.

The National Football League.

It’s collaborating this week with the American Heart Association and American Red Cross to promote CPR awareness by offering free CPR classes in the days leading up to Super Bowl LVII: https://www.azfamily.com/2023/02/03/nfl-will-offer-free-cpr-training-phoenix-during-super-bowl-week/

The move comes in the wake of a harrowing experience by Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin in a Monday Night, Jan. 2, telecast involving the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. With just over six minutes left in the period, Hamlin made what appeared to be a routine tackle of Bengals’ wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Except it wasn’t.

Immediately after regaining his feet, Hamlin fell backward, landed on the turf and did not move. He’d suffered cardiac arrest and was immediately surrounded by EMTs and the Bills’ training staff, all of whom knew how to administer CPR.

And did.

By now, Hamlin’s story is well known. He could’ve perished were it not for immediate sideline assistance … but he didn’t. He not only recovered; he launched a campaign in partnership with the American Heart Association, to increase CPR awareness and education. With a three-step video entitled “3 For Heart CPR Challenge,” Hamlin challenged LeBron James, Tom Brady and Michelle Obama to spread the word.

Hamlin’s message … as well as that of the NFL … has been echoed for years by the Killingworth Ambulance Association, which annually conducts CPR training to local and area residents. In fact, its last course was completed on Dec. 17, 2022, the third CPR class in seven months taught by KAA board member and former EMT Don McDougall.

“People ask: Why should I take it?’ “ McDougall said of the CPR course. “The great percentage of heart attacks happen at home, and you could be the only person there. If you call an ambulance, it could be 10-15 minutes before somebody gets there. In the meantime, you could be saving a loved one or family member.”

Damar Hamlin was lucky, and he knows it. That’s why he and the NFL are promoting CPR awareness and education. They understand it could save a life.

And just did.

Attention, high-school seniors: The Killingworth Ambulance Association is accepting applications for its 2023 collegiate scholarships … with one stipulation.

All applicants must reside in Killingworth.

Each year the KAA offers scholarships to graduating seniors enrolled in private or public high schools. But they’re only available to residents of Killingworth who plan on continuing their education at two-or-four-year institutions.

In addition, applicants must meet the following criteria: 1) Major in the medical, emergency services (fire, police, etc.) or other allied fields; 2) engage in community service and 3) maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their high-school careers.

The KAA awarded 16 scholarships the past five years, including nine in the last three.

Applications are available at Haddam-Killingworth, Mercy and Xavier High Schools, as well as on the KAA website, and must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 14. Recipients will be named in June when they’re awarded scholarship certificates, with checks issued upon completion of their first semesters of secondary school.

For more information, please contact the KAA at (860) 663-2450 or log on to killingworthambulance.org.