In a heartwarming tale of bravery and quick thinking, a young man’s training became the lifeline for his beloved stepfather. This story showcases the profound impact that preparation and courage can have in moments of crisis.

Just months before a life-altering event, Anthony Killinger participated in a CPR class at school, never imagining it would come to his aid so soon. One ordinary day, he was in his room when his mother knocked urgently on his door, her voice trembling as she declared that she believed his stepdad, Mike Reese, was lifeless.

Without hesitation, Anthony sprinted downstairs. The sight before him was shocking: Mike lay unconscious on the floor, making a faint snoring sound that was both alarming and haunting. Panic surged through him, but he steadied his breath, offering a silent prayer, “God, please take the wheel.”

He swiftly dialed 911. As the operator urged him to commence CPR, Anthony’s training kicked in. “I was doing it for about eight minutes,” he later recounted. The tension thickened as he felt Mike’s pulse weak and flutter. But in those crucial moments, he didn’t waver. He pressed on, desperate to restore life to the man who meant so much to him.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Mike began to breathe again. Those eight minutes were not just a fight for life; they were also a battle against brain damage from the lack of oxygen. When the EMTs arrived, they commended Anthony for his swift actions, emphasizing that his quick thinking had indeed saved Mike’s life.

Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, Anthony noted, “The chance of surviving cardiac arrest is only about 9%, and to come out of it without brain damage is incredible.” It was a miracle in every sense of the word.

Mike, who had undergone open-heart surgery in 2018, faced his recovery with gratitude and resilience. After just a week in the hospital, he was released with a defibrillator, ready to embrace life anew. The reunion between stepfather and stepson was nothing short of emotional, solidifying their bond even further.

Having dealt with fatigue since the incident, Mike expressed immense appreciation for Anthony’s bravery. “I’m just thankful he was there for me,” he reflected, his eyes gleaming with admiration for his son.

This touching story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of CPR training. Offered at schools, events, and fire stations, these courses equip individuals with the skills to save a life at a moment’s notice. As we’ve seen time and again, knowing how to perform CPR is a gift that can truly make all the difference.

WATCH the powerful story unfold in the video below:

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