Lexington Fire Department boosts CPR training with American Heart Association partnership

In a significant community initiative, the Lexington Fire Department (LFD) has announced a successful collaboration with the American Heart Association aimed at increasing awareness and training in hands-only CPR. This announcement was made during CPR and AED Awareness Week at Fire Station Number 2, where officials highlighted the importance of bystander CPR in saving lives.

Prior to this partnership, the rate of bystander CPR in Lexington was a concerning 7 percent. However, thanks to the efforts of the LFD and the American Heart Association, that figure has now risen to 18 percent. Fire Chief, who expressed pride in the community's response, emphasized that this increase is a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication of local firefighters. The initiative includes the distribution of CPR training mannequins to all 24 fire stations in Lexington, encouraging residents to learn this vital skill.

Mayor Gorton, a registered nurse, also underscored the importance of CPR training, sharing a personal story about how her own knowledge of CPR saved her daughter’s life during a medical emergency. This personal connection to the initiative highlights the real-life implications of being prepared to act in emergencies.

The LFD plans to continue promoting hands-only CPR training as long as there is a need, with the goal of further increasing the number of trained bystanders. The department's commitment to this cause reflects a broader community goal of enhancing public safety and preparedness.

In recognition of their efforts, the Lexington Fire Department received the Moosnick Service Award for 2024, honoring their dedication to CPR education and advocacy. This award, named after a prominent figure in local emergency medical services, reinforces the importance of ongoing training and community engagement in lifesaving practices.

As the LFD continues its mission, residents are encouraged to visit their local fire stations to learn hands-only CPR, contributing to a community of lifesavers and improving survival rates for cardiac emergencies.