West Virginia Squad Teaches Hands-Only CPR to Save Lives

When someone's heart stops beating, you have minutes to act before brain damage begins. The Marion County Rescue Squad in Fairmont, West Virginia, is making sure more people know exactly what to do.

The squad offers monthly CPR certification classes through the American Heart Association, teaching a lifesaving skill that requires no special equipment. According to the American Heart Association, only 46% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital get immediate help before professionals arrive.

That's a number Caleb Hay wants to change. As lieutenant CPR coordinator with the Marion County Rescue Squad, he's seen firsthand how bystander intervention saves lives.

"Out of all the drugs and equipment in my ambulance, that's the only thing scientifically proven to actually make a difference," Hay explained. "And you can do that at home."

Hands-only CPR is simpler than most people think. After calling 911, it requires only chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. The American Heart Association suggests matching your rhythm to familiar songs to maintain the right pace.

Good Samaritan laws protect anyone who steps in to help, removing legal barriers that might make someone hesitate in an emergency. The classes meet monthly at the white hall building, with additional sessions added when demand increases.

Why This Inspires

This story matters because it puts power back in the hands of everyday people. You don't need medical training or fancy equipment to save a life. You just need about an hour of training and the courage to act when someone needs you most.

The Marion County Rescue Squad isn't just responding to emergencies. They're preventing tragedies by preparing their neighbors to be the first line of defense when seconds count.

Anyone interested in becoming CPR certified can call the Marion County Rescue Squad office at 304-363-6246 to schedule a class and join the growing network of trained community responders.