I am taken aback by the years of public education and the lack of understanding of the general public for the whole issue of initial response and why it is set up the way it is.
The overlying idea of 'CPR' and 'AED' programs is to educate the public to recognize an emergency and activate the rest of the system. They work hand in hand. Then, you go through what you learned in your classes. Here is an outline of initial response and further steps:
https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitati...nes/algorithms
Pretty complicated, isn't it? But would not happen if you did not activate the system. The percentage survival drops off greatly if you do not have a shockable rhythm. So you do that as soon as you can. The heart pumping itself is much better than even the most efficient CPR. Doing compressions without breaths was added in the algorithm to remove hesitancy of rescuers to start, so at least something is done and more people taught to activate the rest of the system. This did not replace the 'older' methods of compressions and breaths. There is BLS, ACLS, PALS, and many others... CPR and AED is only a small part.
So at least go out and take one of the classes so you know something about EMS and initial medical response. It does not take much time. Guess that more public education is still needed to get the word out.
Finally, go out and live life. There are many people, actities and places to go here. This is only a small if rare event in our groups. We have a great community here and need to be thankful for families and neighbors. Especially those neighbors willing to organize for public service and learn new things.