Media Advisory

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Monday, May 21, 2012

What:

Three residents who beat the odds and survived sudden cardiac arrest in Contra Costa County will reunite with their rescuers Tuesday to mark Emergency Medical Services Week at the County Board of Supervisors meeting in Martinez. The residents of Walnut Creek, Concord and Hercules each survived because people who saw them collapse knew to call 911 and begin CPR right away. People have a greater chance to survive a cardiac emergency if community members initiate the rescue effort for EMS personnel, according to the Emergency Medical Services Division of Contra Costa Health Services. In 2011, the survival rate for cardiac arrest jumped from 11.7% to 38% when a witness called 911 and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) or began CPR.

Who

The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors will recognize three cardiac arrest survivors along with their rescuers, as well as EMS, fire and ambulance personnel.

When

9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 22 at 651 Pine Street in Martinez

Why

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest every year, making it the leading cause of death. Increasing awareness about cardiac emergencies can help prevent unnecessary deaths. Learn more about efforts to prevent cardiac deaths at www.cchealth.org/ems/heartsafe.php

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