Latest news with #CardiacEmergencyResponsePlans
Business Journals
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Journals
American Heart Association turns bystanders into lifesavers by building a nation ready to act
In the split second it takes for a heart to stop, everything changes. For the 350,000 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year, survival often hinges on one factor: whether someone nearby knows how to respond. Yet 7 in 10 people in America say they feel powerless to act in a cardiac emergency. As a result, fewer than half of cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives. That is a gap the American Heart Association is determined to close. As the world's leading voluntary health organization dedicated to longer, healthier lives, the Association is taking bold steps through its Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a nationwide movement to turn bystanders into lifesavers. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to ensure that everyone is equipped with the skills to perform CPR and use an AED (automated external defibrillator). These are not just tools — they are the difference between life and death. Take Matt Clark's story as a powerful example. In 2020, while piloting a transatlantic Delta Air Lines flight, Clark suffered a sudden cardiac arrest midair. His co-pilot, Te Lee, immediately began administering chest compressions and directed another crew member to retrieve the onboard AED. Thanks to their quick response and the availability of an AED, Clark's life was saved and the crew was able to safely land the plane so he could receive further medical care. He later received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to protect him in the future. It was the combination of emergency preparedness, advanced technology and the ongoing research and advocacy supported by the American Heart Association that made this lifesaving outcome possible. expand That same commitment to readiness is now taking root across Atlanta, where community organizations are helping to build a stronger chain of survival. With the support of several local companies and partners, thousands of individuals have gained access to lifesaving CPR education. Youth-focused groups such as the Georgia Youth Football League Conference and Soccer in the Streets, along with faith-based organizations like First Baptist East Point and Dream Church, have been empowered with the tools and training to respond in cardiac emergencies. Other nonprofits such as At-Promise Atlanta and Special Kneads and Treats, LLC have also joined the movement. Each received CPR training kits, funding for certification and access to AEDs — ensuring that more people across the community are prepared to save lives when every second counts. Creating a Nation of Lifesavers goes beyond education and awareness — it also requires meaningful policy change at both the federal and state levels. To support this effort, the American Heart Association has endorsed the federal Access to AEDs Act, which would establish a grant program to help K–12 schools provide CPR and AED training, purchase lifesaving devices and implement Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) designed to reduce fatalities from sudden cardiac arrest in school settings. In Georgia, that commitment is becoming a reality. Beginning July 1, 2025, all schools across the state will be required to have a CERP in place. These plans mandate CPR certification for designated staff members and the implementation of practice drills to ensure readiness in the event of a cardiac emergency. Additionally, state funding has been allocated to help schools acquire the resources needed to meet CPR education requirements — an essential component of Georgia's high school graduation standards. expand Everyone has the power to make a difference in a cardiac emergency. Whether you're at school, on a sports field, at church or even in the air, knowing how to respond can save a life. That's what the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative is all about — giving people the skills and confidence to step in when it matters most. Learning CPR and how to use an AED doesn't take long, but it can mean everything to someone in need. You don't have to be a medical professional to help. You just have to be ready. Together, we can close the gap, strengthen our communities and create a future where no one dies from cardiac arrest simply because help didn't come in time. The next life saved could be someone you love — or it could be yours. The time to become a lifesaver is now. To learn more about the Nation of Lifesavers and how you can support, visit
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
American Heart Association hosts annual ‘Lobby Day' at State Capitol
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Advocates and survivors of heart disease, cardiac arrest and stroke will join caregivers, researchers and volunteers at the State Capitol Tuesday for the American Heart Association's annual Lobby Day event. There, they will talk with lawmakers about policies that lead to longer, healthier lives – including funding for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans and healthy meals in Michigan schools. 6 News anchors Jorma Duran and Megan Viecelli talked with Remi Monaghan and Amanda Klein from the American Heart Association to learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Critical health initiatives come to the Statehouse
AEDs are now a common sight in many public places. (Stock photo) The American Heart Association (AHA) supports critical health initiatives in Indiana, focusing on the implementation of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs), the establishment of a statewide stroke registry, and the increase of tobacco taxes. These efforts aim to significantly improve public health outcomes and save lives. AEDs are now a common sight in many public places, but the education and training to use them effectively have not kept pace. With 20% of all cardiac arrests occurring in public places, translating to 365,000 incidents outside of hospitals annually, and a 90% fatality rate, immediate intervention is crucial. The primary reason for this high fatality rate is that only about 40% of individuals receive the necessary help before Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrive. For every minute that CPR is delayed, the chances of survival decrease by 10%. Given that EMS response times can range from 4 to over 10 minutes, timely intervention is vital. Approximately 23,000 children under 18 experience sudden cardiac arrest each year, with nearly 40% of these incidents being sports related. The AHA recognizes that while schools' primary responsibility is education, they also serve as community gathering places. Therefore, it is essential for schools to provide a safe environment for children, staff, and visitors. Implementing and practicing CERPs can increase a child's survival rate to 70%. Senate Bill 350 wants schools to collaborate with local EMS to strategically place AEDs within 1-3 minutes of any event or venue, the ideal timeframe for effectiveness and survival. Schools are already equipped for this, as staff are trained in CPR and AED use, and they regularly practice preparedness for fires, tornadoes, and other potential mass-casualty events. A sudden cardiac arrest can be devastating to families, witnesses, and the community. Each child deserves a chance to go home. Adding a CERP enhances their emergency response plans and educates children on how to respond in a sudden cardiac emergency, creating a Nation of Lifesavers. In addition to CERPs, the AHA is focusing on improving stroke care through House Bill 1310, which aims to establish a statewide stroke registry. This legislation is a crucial step forward in enhancing stroke care and outcomes for all Hoosiers. Strokes are the sixth-leading cause of death in Indiana, and timely, accurate data is essential in reducing stroke-related morbidity and mortality. HB1310 will ensure that Indiana's health care providers can collect and report comprehensive stroke data, enabling the creation of a robust statewide stroke registry. Primary stroke and thrombectomy centers already use databases to track patient outcomes, with 46 out of 58 utilizing the AHA's 'Get With The Guidelines®' program. By leveraging this existing framework, the statewide registry will provide invaluable insights into stroke trends, treatment effectiveness, and areas for improvement in the health care system. This initiative will help identify gaps in care, support the implementation of best practices, and ultimately reduce the burden of stroke across the state. The AHA is offering access to this database to the State of Indiana at no cost, highlighting the importance of tracking this data. Increasing tobacco taxes is another significant health initiative being championed by the AHA through the Tobacco Free Indiana (TFI) coalition. Higher tobacco taxes have proven health benefits, and the revenue generated can be used to fund health and tobacco prevention programs. Reducing tobacco use lowers health care costs, benefiting businesses as well. Tobacco taxes are a proven method to reduce and prevent the use of dangerous and addictive tobacco products, particularly among young people and in communities targeted by aggressive tobacco marketing. TFI advocates for a significant $2 tax increase, as small increases are often offset by discounts, coupons, and buy-one-get-one-free offers from tobacco companies. Parity in the cost of alternative tobacco products, such as vapes or e-cigarettes, is also necessary to discourage switching to cheaper, unhealthy alternatives. Any tax increase must be substantial to achieve public health benefits. Tobacco tax revenue can be directed towards tobacco prevention and control programs and other health initiatives. In these challenging fiscal times, the revenue can also help address budget shortfalls in Medicaid. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
