Southington Council Gets Hands-Only Lesson To Save Lives With CPR

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Town Council recently deviated from its usual charge of making decisions on town policy and, instead, shed light on something that could save lives.

The council Feb. 9, hosted a hands-only CPR demonstration in recognition of Heart Health Awareness Month.

Andrew Rennie, a Southington resident and captain in the Southington Fire Department, led the presentation.

Rennie, part of the leadership team for American Medical Response in Waterbury and the Farmington Valley, said about 70 percent of cardiac arrests occur at home or in the workplace.

“Recognition of sudden cardiac arrest and quick initiation of compressions to keep blood flowing throughout the body, particularly to the brain, increases the chance of survival exponentially,” Rennie said.

He emphasized that hands-only CPR can be learned quickly and focuses on two steps: calling 911 and pressing hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Compressions should be delivered at 100 to 120 beats per minute and continue until first responders arrive, he told the council.

Rennie and Councilwoman Kristen Guida demonstrated the technique, noting that the victim should be placed on a hard surface and checked for responsiveness before beginning compressions.

“It is that simple,” Rennie said, adding that while full CPR involves additional steps, “the compressions are the key link to survival.”

Rennie said AMR has previously taught hands-only CPR at Apple Harvest Festival events and has spoken with Southington residents who survived cardiac arrest after someone initiated compressions at home.

Southington Town Council Chairman Paul Chaplinsky asked about potential liability for residents who render aid.

Rennie said, under the Good Samaritan Act, individuals who assist within their level of ability and training are protected from liability when aiding someone who is incapacitated, in cardiac arrest, or otherwise ill.

In response to a question about local classes, Rennie said residents can contact the Southington-based South Central Health District, the Southington Fire Department, AMR, the American Heart Association, or the Red Cross for CPR training opportunities.

No formal council action was taken on the presentation.

For the minutes of the Feb. 9 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.