Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
Learning CPR is a choice, and Choyce CPR is bringing lifesaving skills to the heart of Prattville.
The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting for Choyce CPR Tuesday morning, where elected officials, Chamber Ambassadors and members of the public crowded the new space for the significant moment.
Choyce CPR is owned by Taquilla Love where her goal is to not only grow her business in the River Region, but to also touch as many people as she can through education of CPR and other Red Cross first aid trainings.
“When I say touch, that is training to save a life. I started this business because I was running into too many people that said they’ve heard of CPR but did not know how to perform CPR. It’s so important to make sure everyone is aware that they are also first responders. Before EMS (emergency medical services) arrives, you are the first. Education is my goal here,” Love said.
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and is an emergency action that could help save a life when someone’s heart has stopped beating or they have stopped breathing. The act of CPR would essentially be pumping and breathing for that person when they are unable to on their own.
According to the American Red Cross guidelines, 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute at about a two-inch depth is the recommendation for CPR. Love confirmed that chest compressions could be done to the beat “Stayin Alive” by the Bee Gees or even the “Baby Shark” children’s song.
Love stated that she started this journey back in 2005 when she started working for disaster services and started training volunteers in how to perform CPR. Through the classes at Choyce, students will receive the Red Cross training as well as an American Heart Certification and Health Safety Institute training. Down the road, Love stated they will also be incorporating Red Cross lifeguard training into the curriculum offered.
“I’m most excited to start teaching in rural areas about how to do compressions. I can’t wait to get out there and start teaching. I’m a small girl from a small town but with a big heart. This business here is built off of love,” Love said.
With Choyce CPR, Love and her staff offer classes in house at 1510 Memorial Dr. in Prattville, however Love confirmed that they also offer off-site training and classes. Love stated that she and Choyce can be reached on any social media platform or to call her directly at 334-380-3006.
“In rural areas, it can take EMS 20-30 minutes just to get to you. Why are we standing around looking and on the phone crying? I want to be able to touch those rural areas so they know what to do in that moment. Starting compressions, it makes a world of difference if you know that much,” Love said.
In attendance was Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jimmy Morris JR. the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, Meg Spires the Chief Nursing Officer at Prattville Baptist Hospital, Chamber ambassadors, Love’s friends and family as well as members of the public.
