The Art of CPR: Why Anyone 10 and Older Can Save a Life

If you had the power to save someone’s life, would you want to know how? Here’s the truth: you already can. And if you’re 10 years old or older, learning CPR is one of the simplest, most powerful skills you’ll ever acquire.

I recently sat down with Monica Nolasco, founder of The Art of CPR in Danville. Monica’s mission is simple but life-changing: teaching everyday people how to respond in emergencies, whether at work, at home, or in the middle of the grocery store. I recently took her class myself, and I left feeling more prepared, more confident—and frankly, more empowered than ever.

How It All Started

Monica didn’t plan to become a CPR instructor. Years ago, a nurse administrator encouraged her to take the training, especially because Monica is bilingual and could help Spanish-speaking communities. When the nurse moved on, Monica found herself with this incredible new skill set. “Now what?” she thought. The answer came quickly: teach.

She began by training future nurses and EMTs in Silicon Valley. Then she realized her own community here in the East Bay needed this just as much. That’s how The Art of CPR was born.

CPR Isn’t Just for Professionals

When most of us think of CPR, we picture nurses, firefighters, or EMTs pounding on a chest in a medical drama. But CPR is not just for professionals. “Emergencies don’t wait until a nurse is nearby,” Monica told me. “If someone collapses at the park or the pool, the person standing next to them—maybe you—could be the one to save their life.”

That really stuck with me. I’m not a nurse or a firefighter. I’m a real estate agent. But I also happen to be a mom and a grandma of almost five. That’s why I got certified. If one of my grandkids needed me in a critical moment, I’d never forgive myself if I couldn’t help.

And here’s the best part: CPR is so straightforward that kids as young as 10 can learn it. In fact, Monica has taught children who walked out proudly saying, “I can save a life!” And they weren’t exaggerating—they really can.

Meet the “Team”

Monica teaches her classes at her studio in Danville, where she introduces students to her trusty “team”—the CPR mannequins. There’s the adult mannequin for practicing compressions on grownups (and kids), and the infant mannequin for baby CPR. “I travel everywhere with them,” Monica laughed. “They don’t complain about legroom, so that’s a plus.”

These mannequins aren’t just props—they’re practice partners. They give students the chance to get comfortable pressing hard and fast, the way real CPR requires.

AEDs: The Other Lifesaver

Along with CPR, Monica teaches how to use an AED—an Automated External Defibrillator. If you’ve ever seen one on a wall at a school, gym, or community center, you might have walked right by without realizing how powerful it is. AEDs are designed for the public. They literally talk you through the process: “Place the pads. Stand back. Press the button.” It’s not intimidating—and yes, it can restart a heart.

And AEDs are everywhere. Veterans halls, schools, gyms, community centers—even some college buildings have one on every floor. The next time you’re in a new place, take a look around and spot where the AED is. That little box could be the difference between life and death someday.

Real-Life Stories

CPR and AED training isn’t just theoretical. Monica lit up when I mentioned a video I’d seen: a coach collapsed on the sidelines of a game. Another coach immediately started CPR, and a nurse in the stands ran to grab an AED. Together, they saved him. He walked away with his life because people nearby had the skills and the courage to act.

And tragedies closer to home remind us too. My son and daughter-in-law knew a family who lost a three-year-old to a drowning accident. As a grandmother with a three-year-old of my own, that shook me deeply. Now, when my grandkids are in the pool, we’re eagle-eyed. But it also comforts me to know that if something did happen, I’m trained to respond.

Classes for Everyone

The Art of CPR offers flexible options for learning. You can take a traditional in-person class, or you can do what I did: a “blended” course. In that version, you do the lecture portion online at your own pace, then schedule a one-hour, hands-on skills session at the studio. Monica even has special classes for babysitters, healthcare providers, and childcare workers who need longer, state-required certification.

Why It Matters

Here’s the most important thing: CPR saves lives. According to the American Heart Association, the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims doubles or even triples when someone nearby starts CPR immediately.

Think about that. You don’t have to be a doctor. You don’t have to be a hero. You just have to be willing to act. And if you’re 10 years old or older, you can learn how.

Take Action Today

Monica calls it The Art of CPR, but the truth is, it’s less an art and more a gift—the gift of giving someone a second chance at life.

So here’s my challenge to you: don’t just think about taking a CPR class. Sign up today. Visit theartofcpr.com, choose a class that works for you, and learn the skills that could save a life.

Because someday, the life you save could be your neighbor’s, a stranger’s… or someone you love.