'A chance to save somebody's life:' Norman hospital raises awareness of CPR training with free class

Norman Regional Hospital and Norman Public Schools partnered Saturday to host a free CPR training session, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of certification and quick action in cardiac emergencies.

Attendees of the “Keep the Beat” CPR class received hands-on training and heard a powerful message from a cardiac arrest survivor who credited the life-saving technique for being alive today.

Bob Jackson, a survivor of sudden cardiac arrest, shared his story with the group.

“I was coaching my third-grade girls' basketball team that my granddaughter plays on. We were over in Blanchard, and I suffered cardiac arrest,” Jackson said.

Fortunately, the gym was filled with first responders trained in CPR.

"Within about two and a half hours of suffering the cardiac arrest, I was on the road to recovery,” he said.

Jackson emphasized the importance of CPR training, urging attendees to see beyond certification and recognize the real impact of their skills.

"Out of that group, no telling how many could eventually have a chance to save somebody's life," he said.

Less than 10% of people who suffer cardiac arrest survive without immediate CPR.

Across three training sessions, more than 150 people learned the life-saving technique.