UMC sees uptick in CPR class registrations following cardiac arrest deaths

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, is the only known first aid and lifesaving skill for heart attack and cardiac arrest victims.

"They're still providing lifesaving support to that person until EMS arrives," said clinical nurse Amy Runge who teaches free CPR classes at UMC's Healthy Living Institute.

This week Runge saw a significant amount of people registering to take the class, averaging 25 students instead of nine.

In addition to expanding class sizes, she's also added 11 more classes to accommodate the community.

"We have had some family say can I bring my 10-year-old to the class, and we encourage it," she said.

While the reason for the sudden interest is unclear, it comes after two local students died of cardiac arrest.

16-year-old Ashari Hughes and 18-year-old Jordan Brister.

It was after PE that Brister's parents said their son had a sudden cardiac arrest in a restroom at his high school Amplus Academy.

In a statement, Amplus Academy said staff provided Brister with "emergency medical attention" until paramedics could arrive. Brister's parents said by the time he was discovered, there was little anyone could do to save his life.

Amplus Academy release by KSNV News 3 on Scribd

"Nine out of 10 cardiac arrests happen outside of the hospital, so odds are if something gonna happen, it will be with a loved one, and minutes count. You are the substitute heart, so you are circulating the blood that the person's blood is not circulating, so it is imperative for the health of the organs and brain function," Runge said.

In addition to CPR, UMC offers other lifesaving classes, like infant CPR and safe driver courses, and they're all free.