KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story Courtesy of WVLT) – American Medical Response Knoxville has partnered with ReLaunch, a group that helps people experiencing homelessness and addiction, to provide CPR training as dangerous street drugs increase cardiac arrest cases.
Linda Conaway, who runs ReLaunch, said nearly 40 people went into cardiac arrest at the organization last month.
“There are some drugs on the street right now that are just really, really, really dangerous, and it’s been important to approach it both with Narcan and CPR. So, we’re really excited to be able to team up [Sunday] and get some official training to make sure we’re doing it correctly,” Conaway said.
Data from the American Heart Association shows only 39 percent of people feel confident performing CPR, but bystander CPR increases survival up to 81 percent.
Wesley Brookshear with AMR said bystanders should perform CPR before ambulances arrive.
“Keeping the heart, the brain, and all the important organs perfuse with CPR is the goal. So, when our paramedics and EMTs get there, they can provide advanced care,” Brookshear said.
Conaway said Relaunch has not lost anyone during cardiac arrest incidents but recognizes that may change.
AMR Knoxville offers classes for people who want to learn CPR. Click here for more information.
