Gail Gould on Spotlight Houston: Why I Believe Everyone Should Learn CPR

Gail Gould appears on Spotlight Houston show.

I recently had the honor of being featured on Spotlight Houston with host Blanca Casada, and let me tell you, it was one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had about CPR and safety. The full episode (Episode 131) aired on March 31, 2025, and is now available to watch on YouTube. You can view it here: Watch Now.

During the interview, we talked about something I care deeply about: giving people the confidence to act in an emergency. Whether it’s a cardiac arrest, choking incident, or severe bleeding, your response can save a life. The scariest part is often not knowing what to do.

Here are a few key moments and takeaways from the episode:

CPR Saves Lives, But Only If It’s DoneI shared a powerful statistic from the American Heart Association: less than 50 percent of Americans know how to perform CPR, even though nearly half a million people in the U.S. suffer sudden cardiac arrest each year. That means lives are being lost simply because no one is prepared to help. My mission is to change that.

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac ArrestThese two terms are often confused. A heart attack victim is still breathing and conscious. They do not need CPR. A person in cardiac arrest is unconscious and not breathing. They do. Recognizing the difference is crucial, and it’s something I teach in every class.

Don’t Worry About Hurting SomeoneMany people are afraid to perform CPR because they think they might do more harm than good. I explain in the episode why the worst thing you can do is nothing. Yes, you might crack ribs. Yes, it might feel scary. But what matters is keeping blood and oxygen flowing to the brain until help arrives.

You’re Protected by the Good Samaritan LawBlanca asked a common question: What if I get sued? The good news is, if you act in good faith and don’t expect compensation, you’re protected by law. The Good Samaritan Law exists to give people peace of mind when stepping in to help.

How I Became The CPR and Safety LadyWe also got a little personal. I shared how I began teaching CPR more than 30 years ago after earning my graduate degree in health promotion. The name “The CPR and Safety Lady” came later, when my husband and I adopted our son. After waiting more than eight years to become a mom, I wanted to make sure nothing ever happened to him. That’s when I really began focusing on pediatric emergencies and prevention.

Real Stories from Real PeopleThroughout my career, I’ve received messages and calls from people who used what they learned in my class to save someone they love. From parents who saved choking children to teachers and strangers who stepped in during emergencies, these stories are reminders that CPR training changes lives and sometimes saves them.

We Even Talked About Pet CPRThat’s right. Dogs can choke too. While I’m not a veterinarian, I shared tips on how to help a pet in distress and what every pet owner should know. Emergencies don’t just happen to humans. Being prepared means thinking about the whole family.

Stop the Bleed TrainingIn addition to CPR, I also teach Stop the Bleed. It’s a course that trains people to handle life-threatening bleeding. Whether it’s a kitchen injury or a trauma situation, knowing how to control bleeding can make all the difference.

If you missed the episode, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch it. It’s full of practical advice, real-life stories, and a reminder that anyone can learn how to save a life.

Watch the full episode here:Spotlight Houston: Gail Gould, The CPR and Safety Lady

Ready to train? I’d love to work with your school, church, workplace, or group. Visit www.cprandsafetylady.com or email me at cprandsafetylady@gmail.com to schedule a class.

You never know when you’ll be the one someone is counting on.