I think some critical messages to get through to lay people are that if they see someone collapse, they have three minutes to act and make a meaningful difference, that any CPR is better than no CPR, and that they don't stop until professional help arrives. People also need to be encouraged not only to do BLS training, but to put it to use. I know from a couple of other people, first aiders and first responders, that I've not been alone in finding out after an event that there were other people present with first aid or even medical qualifications but didn't come forward. I find it appalling to have been doing solo CPR when there were people present who could have made it a team effort, further increasing the patient's chances of survival. Anyway, for a team effort that did pay off despite the length of time we were working, read this on my blog. I don't know if the patient survived long-term, but our efforts meant that when the paramedic and an ambulance crew arrived they were able to successfully defibrillate him.