Daughter Who Saves Father's Life During His 70th Birthday Encourages Others to Learn CPR

A woman who saved her dad's life when he went into cardiac arrest hopes to inspire other people to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Deana Heasall, who hails from Totton, Hampshire, was celebrating the 70th birthday of Tim Taylor with her family at a barbecue when her father suddenly stopped breathing, according to BBC News.

Knowing that time was of the essence, Heasall carried out CPR on her dad for 15 minutes until an ambulance arrived. Heasall said she feels blessed to have him as her dad and to have played that tiny part in still having and keeping him here.

Heasall puts CPR knowledge to use after dad's cardiac arrest

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said that fewer than one in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Heasall, who is 43 years old, rushed to her dad's aid when he suddenly collapsed at their family gathering back in August.

She said she looked around and saw her dad, who was behind her, and he looked grey. She added that his breathing was labored. She said that her dad was making the most awful noises, and they knew something was seriously wrong.

When asked about the CPR that saved her dad's life, she said that it just came down to getting on with it and having that awareness that you need to do something and having the training to be able to do it.

Heasall said she stayed completely calm outwardly, but inside, she was broken. She just desperately carried on as she could not lose her Dad on his 70th birthday or anytime. She learned first aid skills through her job as a manager of a day nursery of Stepping Stones.

Heasall encourages others to learn CPR in case of emergency

Heasall and the rest of her family hope their story can encourage other people to acquire the same skills. Julie Taylor, Tim's wife and Deana's mom said that if this can happen to them, it can happen to anyone. She added that they are so very proud of Heasall. She said that her daughter is a true hero and deserves recognition for her amazing actions.

Taylor, recovering well after spending a dozen days in the hospital and having a stent fitted, added that he was just pleased to be alive. He paid tribute to his daughter, saying he is alive thanks to her.

Taylor has a message for those who still don't know how to do CPR. He told them not to hold back and to go and learn CPR because they never know when they will need it.

According to Mayo Clinic, CPR is a lifesaving technique that is useful in many emergencies, such as near drowning or a heart attack, in which the breathing or heartbeat of someone has stopped. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends starting CPR with hard and fast chest compressions.