"You prepared for it well, huh?" Trish said open-mouthed, totally in awe as she watched Keira.
"She has practiced for weeks before the exam since she sucked at it so much at first," whispered May as they watched how Keira was doing pull-ups gracefully and without too much effort.
Their first week was focused on physical training, road marches, confidence building, and formation marching.
Every morning, they did so many exercises, like push-ups, sit-ups and more that Keira felt really tired.
It was true that her body was fragile. Though she managed the hard training, she knew her capacity. She would soon fall if she continued beyond her limit.
"Soldiers! We are still on the First Phase of your training where discipline, values, and teamwork are the main focus. In the next days, you will receive briefings on basic first aid, sexual harassment, assault awareness, and prevention programs! Understand?" explained Sergeant Cole that made Keira almost jump of joy for no reason.
"Aye, Sergeant!" Shouted Keira’s unit in chorus.
Her mind was already working on how she could seize the opportunity during the next programs because Zach was not often present at the previous activities.
The next day, all the recruits, both men and women were called in the big meeting room for the basic first aid program.
"This is good, but when are they going to teach us CPR?" May asked excitedly that made Lana cough.
"I will volunteer, you know if the acting patient is the Falcon or a handsome soldier," said May mischievously. She saw the CPR procedure on videos only but not in live action so she was anticipating how things were really done.
Keira arched an eyebrow, so May added with a cough, "But of course, if it’s the Wolf, Keira should do the honor."
To May’s anticipation, the officer finally began discussing the long-awaited CPR.
"You, soldier Chan, get up here!" An officer ordered who noticed that Keira was not focused on the discussion and was talking to other seatmates.
"Straighten those backs, soldiers, and eyes to the front! No talking during the program! Understand?" Shouted the officer.
"Aye, Sir!" Answered the soldiers in chorus.
Zach and Jeru, who were observing, both frowned when Keira walked towards the front.
"I need another soldier!" Shouted the Officer.
Lana was about to stand up, but Drey who was sitting at the front stood first.
"What the heck is he doing?" Lana whispered.
May shrugged her shoulders and said, "They will probably do the CPR? And Drey wanted to accompany Keira instead of seeing her do it with another soldier?"
"One of you will be acting as the passed out and the other will do the CPR." Said the officer.
Keira smiled and nodded.
Drey looked at her and smiled back. It’s been days since they had an interaction because Drey was with the male soldiers.
"CPR involves chest compressions for adults between 5 cm (2.0 in) and 6 cm (2.4 in) deep and at a rate of at least 100 to 120 per minute. The rescuer may also provide artificial ventilation by either exhaling air into the subject’s mouth or nose (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) or using a device that pushes air into the subject’s lungs (mechanical ventilation)," explained the officer.
"You, Russo, will do the proper chest compressions first," added the officer.
Keira positioned and Drey was about to perform the necessary chest compressions as instructed, however...
"Halt!" Zach shouted and startled them.
The officer turned to Zach with a questioning look and asked, "Yes, General Lim?"
Zach, who took a bit of time before answering, said, "Let Chan do the compressions on Russo instead."
The officer complied and instructed Drey and Keira to swap positions.
"Soldier, place emphasis on early and high-quality chest compressions over artificial ventilation!" Instructed the Officer to Keira and she followed.
Keira suppressed a chuckle when Drey winked at her.
"Focus!" Shouted General Liu who noticed what Drey did.
After Keira followed the procedure the Officer said, "This time you will learn the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation because it is the most commonly used one instead of the mechanical ventilation, which is not available during an emergency."
Upon hearing that, both Generals shouted, "Halt!"
The Officer scratched his head and asked, "Yes, Generals?"
’What is it this time? You two are disturbing the focus of the program!’ The Officer wanted to voice out frustratingly.
Torin, who was also watching, shook his head and looked at Cielo who got his signal.
’These two Generals! Can’t they at least be professional?’
Zach looked around. The first person whom he spotted was Cielo so he said, "You, Lieutenant Kang, move and replace Chan!"
Then Jeru looked at the Officer and seconded, "You should use a skilled one and not use the recruits to show how things are properly done!"
Torin was trying to conceal his laughter so hard. For the first time in history, the two Generals agreed on something.
A wicked grin was plastered on Cielo’s face as she excitedly replaced Keira as the rescuer.
"Listen well, soldiers! During performing an emergency, you shouldn’t care about anything but to save a life!" Said the Officer irritably and gestured to Lieutenant Cielo Kang to get ready as he explained how everything was done.
’Darn!’ Drey hissed when he noticed the teasing look in Cielo’s eyes.
He wanted to ask for a replacement and was about to say the words but Cielo started to press her mouth against his and blows air into his lungs.
Meanwhile, Keira looked at Zach with narrowed eyes, but the latter remained focused as he watched Cielo performing the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
’Hmm, is there a meaning behind it? Could it be that he didn’t want anyone to do the CPR to her?’ She asked silently but then her lips curved upward at her positive assumption.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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