Advocate Spotlight: Jennifer Stafford, RN Critical Care, Practicing Nurse of 30 years, CPR/First Aid instructor of 27 years

 

I’ve looked everywhere for it, but I can’t find it. I know it’s just got to be there—somewhere attached to her nurses uniform.

Despite my inability to spot an actual red cape, I am still convinced that Jennifer Stafford is some kind of super hero. Consider this: All great super heroes have boundless energy (check) and a passion for protecting the public (check). They go out of their way to save lives and makes it look easy.  When help is needed, they come running. (Check, check, check.)

A busy Critical Care nurse and mother, Jennifer goes above and beyond serving on the AHA’s Oregon CPR Committee. Her expertise, enthusiasm, and willingness to speak up play a critical role in helping the AHA spread the message about CPR and equip Oregonians to save the life of a loved one or a stranger. Jennifer is a tremendous advocate for CPR in Schools—Oregon’s biggest opportunity to put more lifesavers in our communities by ensuring every student learns hands-only CPR before they graduate.

Since Hands Only CPR was shown to be scientifically sound in 2008, Jennifer has been on a quest to teach as many groups and community members how to recognize heart attack, women’s atypical heart attack symptoms, signs and symptoms of stroke, why to call 911 vs. drive yourself in, and how to respond to cardiac arrest with Hands Only CPR.  Do you know Hands Only CPR? Learn by clicking here.

In the last three years alone, she has taught over 1,500 individuals Hands-Only CPR. Taryn Lust [fellow AHA CPR Committee Member] and Jennifer have been awarded a grant to teach middle schools in their area two classes: 1) how to have a healthy heart (lifestyle) and 2) about cardiac arrest and Hands Only CPR.  To date, they have educated over 3,000 students in their area.

Jennifer is extremely passionate about getting the word out about Hands Only CPR.  She has been to Oregon State Capitol for AHA’s Lobby Day three times and worked on the bill in 2013.  In her own words: “We will get this done!”

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