CHICAGO — Local medical students have designed a course to prepare Chicagoans to help people who have been overdosed or shot.
Rush University’s RUSH 9-1-1 program helps people perform CPR, administer Narcan, and help people who are bleeding to keep more people alive until paramedics arrive. Dr. Nicholas Cozzi of Rush University said they are offering free training so that they can and Assistant Director of EMS, who oversees medical students teaching courses throughout Chicago.
Cozzi said the one- to two-hour training is designed to teach bystanders life-saving skills without requiring certification, which is sometimes costly and time-consuming. Cozzi said demand is growing as neighborhoods grapple with opioid overdose crises and violence.
“Chicagoians are starting to realize that these skills are relevant to everyone,” says Cozzi. “Every week, we have requests for more classes.”
Cozzi said the group is trying to train at least three or four times a month and has a waiting list until mid-June.
Cozzi said classes are sized between 10 and 30 people and can be taught anywhere in the city. Cozzi said the program is offered directly to high school students, teachers, nursing homes, local nonprofits, people in recovery, city social workers, and more.
Cozzi said those interested in hosting a class can email nicholas_cozzi@rush.edu with basic information such as how many people are expected to attend, what space is available, and when it’s convenient. Training is free and available in English and Spanish.
credit: Ariana BaldassanoCozzi said a recent study found that most classes are held in the South and West, and that blacks and Hispanics are about 10 to 15 percent less likely to receive CPR bystander training than whites. pointed out.
“We need to close the gap so people can help before help arrives,” Cozzi said. “We try to increase access in every way possible, even if it’s with seats and portable projectors.”
Cozzi was pitched to the program by third-year medical student Sam Schuman, who started a similar program in Houston as an undergraduate at Rice University.
Schumann partnered with fellow medical student Brian Goldberg to begin training in Chicago, and now the 9-1-1 team teaches courses as time permits in rotation of medical students, Cozzi said. Told.
Rush University students have partnered with the Chicago Recovery Alliance to train on Narcan, a drug that reverses overdose. Access to Narcan is expanding rapidly as fentanyl fueled Cook County’s deadliest overdose year, but there remains a gap between suppliers and the willingness and ability to learn how to use it. Advocates say there is a big gap.
credit: Ariana BaldassanoCozzi said the December shooting at the Benito Juárez Community Academy in Pilsen, near Rush University Medical Center, has also forced medical students into high school training.
“Every student needs to be taught how to stop bleeding,” Cozzi said. “This kind of community involvement is necessary because the reality of gun wounds, stabbings and cardiac arrests happening in schools.
Cozzi said the goal of the “Beginner’s Edition” course is to make sure everyone feels safe and can help with the crucial minutes and seconds that can save lives.
“It’s great that people have professional certifications and training, but it also prevents more people from learning to intervene,” Cozzi said. “We need to reduce barriers.”
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