A new program in the works at the Munroe-Meyer Institute will train individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their caregivers, in CPR and other first aid skills.
The program is funded by a grant from the Munroe-Meyer Guild, said Angela Maynard, MMI clinic nurse manager, who is leading this program.
“I really believe this is a life skill that everybody should have,” Maynard said.
Supplies that have been purchased for the program include manikins, training manuals and course materials.
The next step, Maynard said, is to build up training staff, whether those individuals come from MMI or the wider community.
Maynard was inspired to create the program, she said, in part because she saw the financial barriers caregivers face to get proper life support training.
And as those diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to live longer because of medical advances, she said, their parents or caregivers are aging, as well.
If a caregiver has a medical event, Maynard said, the course would provide their IDD family member with the skills to respond.
“You can’t emphasize enough the importance of pre-hospital care when somebody encounters a medical emergency,” she said.
If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital event, according to the American Heart Association.
“It’s a valuable tool,” Maynard said. “Even when somebody doesn’t survive, you know you had the ability to act and could bring some peace to those left behind.”
Maynard said she hopes to be teaching the life-saving skills to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities by early next year. Another goal is to offer the program at a low cost or free.
Those interested becoming certified to teach basic life support to support this effort can email for additional information.