Lexington Fire Department expands hands only CPR training to improve survival rates

The Lexington Planning Commission Zoning Items Subcommittee convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss significant community initiatives, including a partnership aimed at enhancing public health and safety through CPR education and airport expansion plans.

A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of CPR and AED Awareness Week, marked by a collaboration between the Lexington Fire Department and the American Heart Association. Fire Chief emphasized the importance of hands-only CPR training, noting that the bystander CPR rate in Lexington has increased from 7% to 18% since the initiative began. This rise is attributed to the distribution of training mannequins across all 24 fire stations and a campaign encouraging residents to learn CPR. The Chief expressed pride in the community's response and the dedication of fire department members, particularly Captain Mike Kenny, who proposed the initiative.

The meeting also featured remarks from Mayor Gordon, a registered nurse, who shared a personal story highlighting the life-saving potential of CPR. She reinforced the importance of community training in CPR, emphasizing that anyone could be in a situation where they need to act quickly to save a life.

In addition to health initiatives, the subcommittee discussed a multimillion-dollar expansion project at Bluegrass Airport. With passenger numbers on the rise, the airport plans to invest over $17 million in parking enhancements and improved traffic management. This includes the addition of 815 long-term parking spaces, a covered walkway to the terminal, and a new employee parking area. The airport's expansion aims to accommodate the growing demand for air travel and improve the overall experience for passengers.

The discussions underscored the city's commitment to public safety and infrastructure development, reflecting Lexington's ongoing growth and the need for community engagement in health initiatives and transportation improvements. The subcommittee's efforts are expected to have lasting impacts on both public health and the travel experience in the region.