Public learns about emergency response

RUSSELLVILLE — City firefighters on Thursday taught community members how to respond during medical emergencies ranging from cardiac arrest to choking, heart attacks, strokes and drowning incidents.

Capt. Chris Watkins and firefighter Aaron Lynch led the CPR and emergency response class at Russellville Fire Department Station One.

Watkins said quick action from bystanders can make a major difference before emergency responders arrive. He said brain damage can begin within minutes when oxygen stops reaching the brain during cardiac arrest.

He said dispatching emergency crews and reaching a patient all take time, especially outside city limits.

“We’re behind the eight ball a lot of times if somebody’s not there doing CPR before we get there,” Watkins said. “If you do nothing else, do compressions.”

He said most cardiac arrests happen at home, meaning CPR is often performed on a family member or friend rather than a stranger.

The course used videos from the American Heart Association and included demonstrations on CPR techniques and AED use. Instructors reviewed the recommended pace for chest compressions during CPR.

The class also stressed the importance of assigning tasks clearly during emergencies by directing specific people to call 911 or retrieve an AED.

Videos during the class covered naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. The course also reviewed differences between heart attacks and cardiac arrest along with signs of severe choking in adults, children and infants.

Participants later practiced CPR compressions and AED procedures using training mannequins and demonstration equipment.

Watkins said the department wants residents to feel more confident responding during emergencies.

“It’s something important that doesn’t get taught enough in the community,” he said.

He encouraged residents interested in certification to pursue additional CPR and first aid training.