FIRST LINK

Saving Lives, Saving Hope

When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, every second counts. First Link is a dynamic, empowering community education program designed for workplaces, schools, and organizations. We bridge the gap between medical emergencies and professional help by equipping everyday people with the knowledge, confidence, and awareness to act when seconds matter most.

Our New Assignment: From Newsroom to Community

Our relationship began working together on assignment as television journalists. Today, we view First Link as our new assignment.

Getting busy employees, students, or staff to register for CPR certification can be an uphill battle, and dry statistics rarely move hesitant people to act. First Link takes a radically different approach:

• Told by Veteran TV Journalists: Authors and CPR advocates Dave Ogle and Kris Patrow spent their careers telling stories that matter. They bring that same narrative precision, clarity, and human connection to the stage.
• A Real-Life Race Against Time: By sharing their own gripping account—and featuring exclusive readings from their book, DEADLINE: A Reporter’s True Story of Cardiac Arrest and the Race to Survive—Dave and Kris make the abstract reality of cardiac arrest deeplypersonal.                                                              
• Breaking Down Hesitation: Hearing a firsthand account of survival and emergency response dismantles the fear, intimidation, and uncertainty that keep people from stepping in.

Instead of walking away feeling overwhelmed, attendees leave inspired and eager to take the next step.

Driving Immediate CPR Sign-Ups

First Link is not a replacement for formal CPR certification—it is the ultimate engine to drive sign-ups.

By connecting with attendees on an emotional, human level, First Link creates immediate buy-in. Organizations and HR departments can capitalize on this momentum right on the spot by registering inspired participants for full CPR and AED certification classes immediately following the presentation.

Program Highlights & Core Topics

Every First Link event brings together storyteller insight and frontline emergency expertise, featuring firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, or CPR advocates:

• Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: A clear, engaging conversation breaking down the vital physiological differences between the two—and why fast recognition saves lives.
• Instant Recognition: Learn how to quickly identify the signs of sudden cardiac arrest (such as unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing) before it's too late.
• CPR & AED Demonstration: Watch an expert-led demonstration of Hands-Only CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) operation.
• Interactive Author & Expert Q&A: An open-floor session where attendees can ask questions directly to Dave, Kris, and frontline emergency responders.
• How You Can Save a Life: Discover how ordinary citizens become the critical "First Link" in saving a coworker, student, friend, or loved one.

Bring First Link to Your Organization

First Link offers adaptable presentations tailored to a variety of settings:

• Workplaces: Boost safety participation and morale by inspiring employees, with HR ready to sign them up for CPR classes right after the event.
• Schools & Universities: Equip students, teachers, coaches, and administrators with life-saving awareness and connect them directly to certification opportunities.
• Civic & Community Groups: Host an engaging, unforgettable, and potentially life-saving event for your members and neighbors.

Inspire Your Workplace, School, or Organization.

The life you save may be someone you love.