Nitro, WV Puts a CPR-Trained Person on Every Street

Sheila Reed wasn't sure what to think when Nitro firefighters brought her "Mini Anne," a lifelike mannequin used to simulate CPR.

"I didn't really know what it was," Reed said. "They asked me if I wanted to learn CPR and I said, 'Sure.'"

"Mini Anne" is included in a CPR kit that the Nitro Fire Department has been distributing throughout the community for more than a year. The kits are a part of the department's efforts to make sure at least one person on every street in town can administer CPR in an emergency.

"It's kind of like the old neighborhood watch programs. What those programs did with the police, this does with first responders," said Corey Dean, a Nitro firefighter and paramedic who started the program. "It's not always the people in firetrucks or ambulances who are the heroes. A lot of times it's the regular person that helps someone."

The CPR kits, which cost $30 and are given out free of charge, come with a DVD and instruction booklet on how to perform CPR and a "Mini Anne" CPR mannequin. The mannequin has a realistic plastic face and chest attached to an inner tube. There is a second plastic inner tube attached to the mouth that simulates lungs and trachea when practicing CPR.

The Nitro Fire Department has spent about $3,500 on the program since it began and distributed more than 100 kits, said firefighter Casey Mathes. Citizens and local businesses helped fund it, he said.

There are similar programs on the West Coast, but Dean said he didn't know of any other fire department attempting to blanket their city with CPR knowledge on the East Coast.

"We want people to be able to administer CPR until we get there," Dean said. "With the kit you get a participation certification. If you want international certification you have to go to a class. But a lot of people didn't care if they had actual certification. They just wanted to learn in case of an emergency."

Stickers are placed on the windows of homes and businesses that have practiced with the kits, signaling to the community that if they have an emergency, there is a good chance someone at the location can help, Dean said. Although the stickers feature a red cross, the program is not affiliated with the American Red Cross.

"Since I became a part of the program, I have noticed the stickers on other people's businesses and houses," Reed said. "People are aware of it."

Reed and her husband, Jack, own Jack Reed and Son Frame and Body Shop in Nitro.

Firefighters asked them to participate because of the large number of people who pass by their business, said Jack Reed.

If there was a bad car wreck at the intersection, we would be able to help," Jack said. "Nitro is an older community and there are many people here who might need the help one day."

There are still areas of the town where there are just a few who know CPR, said Jeff Elkins, captain of the Nitro Fire Department.

"Now the big thing is following up and getting feedback," he said. "We have had a lot of people show interest. We are close to having one per street; now we need to check up on the stickers and get more people involved."

Diane Santamaria, owner of Main Stop convenience store, also learned CPR from one of the kits. She says she feels confident she could administer CPR if the need should arise.

"I think everybody should learn how to do it," she said. "At least now I know that if something happens in my store, I'll be able to help until someone gets here."

To contact staff writer Gary Harki, e-mail gharki@wvgazette.com or call 348-5163.