BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – An 87-year-old woman died in an independent living facility in California when the nurse wouldn't perform CPR.
The living facility in California defended its nurse, saying she had followed policy in dealing with the woman. The dispatcher also followed protocol when she pleaded with the nurse to perform CPR or find someone who would.
According to the executive director of Arbor Landing, an independent living facility in Ocean Isle, the state does not require independent living facilities in North Carolina to be CPR certified. Director Mark McKeithan, however, said his facility takes all safety measures.
"We have a home care staff inside the building 24/7. Those home care staffers are certified working assistants. They are CPR certified. So they would be able to help in the event of CPR if it's needed. Every resident wears a necklace with an emergency button and we have emergency buttons in bathrooms." Said McKeithan.
He believes as more baby boomers are put into independent living facilities, more facilities will provide nurses who are CPR certified.
David Goldston III, the executive director of Shallotte Assisted Living, said his entire staff is CPR certified because it's not an independent facility.
Goldston said it's important for families to read all the policies before putting a loved one in a living facility and to make sure workers are CPR certified and will perform CPR.
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