She Just Learned CPR, but What She Does Next Will Leave You Breathless!

When 11-year-old Vada Carawan from Virginia took her first CPR class, she couldn’t have imagined just how crucial those lessons would become. Barely 11 days after learning the lifesaving skill during a Girl Scout training session, Vada found herself using it to save the life of her father, Clint Carawan.

On an ordinary day at home, the unimaginable happened — Clint suffered a heart attack, collapsing on the floor. At first, panic gripped Vada. “Of course, it was scary,” she admitted, recounting the moment. “For a minute there, I was in complete shock. And then I was like, ‘Heart attack … heart attack, 911.’” Her dog Maggie, sensing the gravity of the situation, tried to rouse Clint by pawing at him, adding to the chaotic scene.

But Vada didn’t let fear paralyze her. She quickly dialed 911, where paramedics coached her through the critical steps of CPR. She began performing chest compressions, a skill she had practiced less than two weeks earlier. “It’s not the same doing it on a dummy because it’s not your dad,” she shared, reflecting on the emotional weight of the moment. “I think I was a little weaker.”

Despite her young age, Vada showed remarkable focus and courage. She remembered her training, where she was the only one in her Girl Scout group to successfully “save” the practice dummy. “When you do CPR, the dummy has lights, and if it’s green, you’re doing it correctly,” she said proudly.

As she worked to save her father’s life, her actions inspired awe among the paramedics who guided her, as well as her mother, Amanda Carawan. “She got to be his hero,” Amanda said, crediting her daughter with giving Clint a second chance.

Vada’s heroism underscores the importance of teaching lifesaving skills to young people. Although CPR training is often geared toward adults, Vada’s story proves that age is no barrier to making a difference in an emergency. “Just put your mind to anything that you would want to do,” Vada said. “I definitely don’t think you’re too young for anything.”

The experience left Vada with a newfound sense of accomplishment and purpose. While she admits it was terrifying, her bravery has earned her the admiration of first responders and her community. More importantly, she was able to save the person she loves most in the world.

For Clint, every moment with his family now feels like a gift. And for Vada, the event has cemented a valuable life lesson — that preparedness and courage can make all the difference.

This remarkable story of a young girl stepping up in a time of crisis serves as a reminder: lifesaving skills are for everyone, regardless of age. Whether it’s a Girl Scout like Vada or anyone else willing to learn, these tools can truly change lives.