Midstate firefighter, pageant contestant champions CPR preparedness

“I’ve actually seen the difference between life and death up close…if a bystander starts CPR versus if they don’t.”

According to the American Heart Association, about 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home.

It’s a statistic Savannah Maddison said she knows all too well.

It’s why she said she’s stressing the importance of it during National CPR and AED Awareness Week (June 1-7).

“I’ve actually seen the difference between life and death up close…if a bystander starts CPR versus if they don’t.”

Maddison works with Maury County Fire and Rescue.

She got her start as a volunteer.

“I joined my local department first as a support member because they needed volunteers and I fell in love with it and learned that I loved emergency response. I became a firefighter, an EMT, and now the public information officer,” said Maddison.

She also owns a childcare service and serves as an ambassador for the American Heart Association.

Maddison said every household should be prepared.

“It’s very important that in every household that we have a member who is CPR certified and can step up in the event a loved one goes into cardiac arrest. CPR, if it’s performed immediately, could double or triple a person’s chances of survival.”

She said she plans to take that message to the stage next week as she competes in the Miss Tennessee pageant.

“I’m so excited to compete at Miss Tennessee next week as CPR advocacy in my work in the fire service is a huge part of what I champion and hopefully represent as I compete.”