TOW #22 - Remember It Forever (Argument)

"Learn It Young. Remember It Forever." - Scouts, South Africa

     When you watch this commercial for the first time, you might think it's a short film. Then "Scouts South Africa" pops up at the end and you realize it's an advertisement. But the story still resonates deeply because it is clear how much more heartbreaking it would be if the boy had not learned CPR from a young age (presumably by joining Scouts, where many other skills are learned too).

     Both Scouts and CPR are often dismissed as unnecessary because those survival skills are rarely needed in everyday life. Though it is true that this sort of emergency situation is rare, it still happens, and it would likely be a horrible regret if you were to be unprepared. Whether you're unsure of learning CPR because you think it's unlikely and useless or because you're terrified at the idea of holding someone else's life in your hands, the time and effort spent is a thousand times worth the possibility of saving someone's life.

     Another common reason people are hesitant of CPR is the fear and/or disgust associated with performing it on a stranger. However, that is most often not the case. As seen in the commercial, with both a little boy performing CPR on his sister and a father performing CPR on his daughter, it is very likely the person in need will be a friend or family member, not a stranger (unless you spend all of your time wandering alone surrounded by complete strangers, which most people do not do). That emotional connection is displayed beautifully in the video and should really be taken into account as a reason to learn CPR.

     It is true that joining Scouts may not perfectly fit into everyone's life, and neither that nor learning CPR is necessary to live a fulfilling life, However, it can be assured that emergencies do occur, and everyone should seriously consider taking the time to better equip themselves as citizens by simply learning CPR. If we can spend forty hours a week sitting at school or an office, apparently to make ourselves useful in society, I think we can spare a few hours to learn some simple but potentially life-saving skills.