EDITORIAL
Youth CPR leader should inspire all

A near-tragedy and a young man's interest in medicine and a desire to help others will lead one day — we guarantee it — to saving someone's life.

The story, as reported by Neighbor Island Editor Christie Wilson, involves Alex Baker of Maui, who has become the youngest American Heart Association training center director in the state.

The 15-year-old was inspired by an event in which his father's life may have been saved when someone administered the Heimlich maneuver.

Realizing the importance of the maneuver and other aspects of CPR, Baker organized, set up, documented and launched a full-scale first-aid training center on Maui.

He has become trained and certified in teaching CPR and will lead many of the classes at the center himself.

Eventually, he hopes to get the training program into high school classes.

Baker's efforts demonstrate the good that can come from one committed individual. Now, it is up to the folks of Maui to take advantage of his efforts and learn the life-saving techniques he is ready to pass on.