Roane State student recognized for helping during medical emergency

Anderson County Emergency Medical Services recently recognized a Roane State Community College student who provided assistance during a medical emergency.

EMS director Nathan Sweet honored Amber Kennedy of Sunbright during the Anderson County Commission’s Feb. 19 meeting. Kennedy is a waitress at Ruby Tuesday in Oak Ridge.

Last December, a customer collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. Kennedy—who had taken a safety, first aid, and CPR course at Roane State’s Morgan County campus—stepped forward and administered CPR.

“I was scared,” Kennedy said. “I’m glad I knew what I was doing and that I could help.”

Sweet said Anderson County EMS appreciated Kennedy’s efforts.

“We wanted to recognize Amber because she got CPR training, which we highly encourage because CPR saves lives,” Sweet said. “And when she was called on to use it, she used it.”

Kennedy is studying elementary education at Roane State. She took the CPR course because she thought it might be useful.

“I think taking CPR should be required for any job,” Kennedy said. “It gives me confidence that if something happens to one of my students, I can help.”

Kennedy praised Roane State instructor Loretta Marlow, who taught the course at the Morgan County campus.

“She is a really good teacher,” Kennedy said. “She is patient and knows what she is talking about.”

For more information about safety courses and additional programs at Roane State, visit www.roanestate.edu or call 1-866-GO2-RSCC (1-866-462-7722).