Skip to main content

TribBlog: Capitol CPR

Lawmakers and state employees are getting trained in CPR and defibrillator use today — almost a year after Rep. Edmund Kuempel, R-Seguin, suffered a heart attack and collapsed in a Capitol elevator. He was saved by his colleague, Rep. John Zerwas, an anesthesiologist who resuscitated him with CPR.

Republish
Rep. Edmund Kuempel, R-Seguin

Lawmakers and state employees are getting trained in CPR and defibrillator use today — almost a year after Rep. Edmund Kuempel, R-Seguin, suffered a heart attack and collapsed in a Capitol elevator. He was saved by his colleague, Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, an anesthesiologist who resuscitated him with CPR.  

In three separate sessions today, staffers will practice on an inflatable mannequin and learn how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator. Helping with the demonstrations? Dr. Kyle Janek, a former state senator and anesthesiologist; First Lady Anita Perry, a former nurse; Zerwas; and Kuempel, of course. The events are being sponsored by AT&T, the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Heart Association and the Seton Family of Hospitals.

Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here.

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Yes, I'll donate today

Information about the authors

Emily Ramshaw’s staff photo

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics

Health care State government Federal health reform Texas House of Representatives Texas Legislature