Lexington Fire Department partners with American Heart Association for CPR training initiative

The Lexington Planning Commission Zoning Items Subcommittee meeting on June 5, 2025, highlighted significant community initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and improving local infrastructure.

One of the key discussions centered around the collaboration between the Lexington Fire Department and the American Heart Association to promote CPR and AED awareness. This initiative, launched during CPR and AED Awareness Week, aims to increase the rate of bystander CPR in Lexington, which can significantly improve survival rates from cardiac arrests. The Fire Department has co-funded mannequins for each of the city's 24 fire stations, allowing residents to learn hands-only CPR. Fire Chief Mike Kinney emphasized the importance of this training, stating that it can double or triple an individual's chances of survival during a cardiac event. The initiative has already seen a positive response from the community, with an increase in bystander CPR rates noted.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the expansion plans for Bluegrass Airport, which is undergoing a multimillion-dollar parking enhancement project. With passenger numbers on the rise, the airport is investing over $17 million to improve parking facilities and traffic management. This includes the addition of 815 long-term parking spaces, a covered walkway to the terminal, and a new exit plaza to ease congestion. These improvements are designed to enhance the travel experience for the over 1.5 million passengers who use the airport annually.

The discussions at the meeting reflect Lexington's commitment to public safety and infrastructure development, ensuring that the community is well-equipped to handle emergencies and accommodate its growing population. As these initiatives progress, they are expected to have a lasting impact on the quality of life in Lexington.