When a funeral home signs its staff up for CPR certification the joke pretty much writes itself, "By the time they get to you isn't it a little late for CPR?" But the idea behind Mueller Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation hiring a Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor isn't for the decedent, but rather for their survivors.

Anne Meyer, office manager of the White Bear Lake funeral home and former CPR instructor, had the idea that the staff get certified. Her thought was, so many people of all ages, abilities, and conditions come through our doors for arrangements, visitations, and funerals it only makes sense that we be prepared for an emergency.  

Becoming CPR certified took on special significance as one of the Mueller staff prepared to have heart valve replacement surgery. The decision was made to get training on the schedule and February, being American Heart Month, seemed a perfect time.

The task to find an instructor fell to Communication Director, Taelor Johnson who maintains her CPR certification biannually as a non-practicing registered dental hygienist. She made arrangements with In-Pulse CPR, a company from whom she had received training in the past, who are authorized by the American Heart Association (AHA) to provide public and private BLS training and certification.

Mueller staff members were also encouraged to invite a significant other, roommate, or friend because Mueller Memorial is very interested in having someone trained ready to intervene if one of our team experiences an emergency outside of the workplace.