Mich. County Officials Want All Employees to Know CPR

Aug. 27--BAD AXE -- County and city officials say CPR training is needed for all county employees, after Huron County Treasurer Sherry Learman was found unconscious on a vault floor in the county building last week.

On Tuesday, commissioners said the Bad Axe Police Department has offered to provide the training.

"It's important that everyone has basic training," said Clark Elftman, board chairman.

Last Thursday, officials said Learman was airlifted to a Saginaw hospital after going into cardiac arrest at her office. An employee, along with Bad Axe attorney Gerald Prill, began to administer CPR after Huron County Central Dispatch was alerted of the situation, according to Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson.

An ambulance was dispatched, and the nearby Huron County Sheriff's Office and Bad Axe Police Department were called for assistance. Officials used an automated external defibrillator to help revive Learman.

Chief Deputy Treasurer Debra McCollum will serve as acting treasurer until Learman can return to work.

In a note sent to commissioners, McCollum thanked everyone involved with the effort, and sent thoughts and prayers to Learman and family.

She requested all staff, not just one per office, be trained in administering CPR and using a defibrillator, for the safety of employees and public entering the building.

Commissioner John Nugent said Learman has since regained consciousness and is recognizing faces.

But the board expects the county treasurer to be off for an extended period of time, putting a hold on the county's upcoming preparation of the budget for a month or so to help with day-to-day operations at the treasurer's office, Commissioner Ron Wruble said.

"There are some huge shoes to fill with Sherry's absence," he said.

The board said it will look at costs and the possibility of grants to install defibrillators for every floor in the county building.

Also on Tuesday, commissioners approved a smoking ordinance for all county employees and general public entering and/or exiting county buildings.

The ordinance prohibits the use of tobacco products inside all county property. It bans the use of tobacco products outside all county property within a 25-foot radius of any common entrance and/or exit, with the exception of the jail, the jail garage and 911 dispatch center. Those in violation of the ordinance are subject to a fine of not more than $100 the first time, and not more than $500 for the second violation. The ordinance takes effect Oct. 24.

Copyright 2014 - The Huron Daily Tribune, Bad Axe, Mich.