October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month and in an effort to educate and raise awareness of this leading cause of death, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition (SCAC), in cooperation with the Congressional Heart and Stroke Caucus is hosting “Take a Stand Against Sudden Cardiac Arrest” on Capitol Hill next Wednesday, October 26.
Each year, Sudden Cardiac Arrest claims more than 295,000 lives and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Many of these deaths are preventable through education and awareness initiatives. Mary Newman, MS, Coalition Co-Chair says, “Currently the average survival rate for out-of-hospital SCA is about 8%, but if the public better understood the need for immediate bystander intervention with CPR and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), survival rates could increase to 34% or more.”
The event will include training in Hands-Only CPR and use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and will be highlighted with a variety of speakers. Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) will discuss the Teaching Children to Save Lives Act, which incorporates CPR training into the health curriculum of middle and secondary schools. Benjamin Abella, MD, Mphil, of the Center for Resuscitation Science in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania will address latest science advancements; and testimonials by SCA survivors will conclude the program.
People of all ages are encouraged to attend, and Mended Hearts as one of the 50 non-profit organizations of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition encourages its members and volunteers in the Washington D.C. area to attend, learn and support the cause. The event will be held at the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer next Wednesday from 2-4p.m.
If you are interested in learning more about “Take a Stand Against Sudden Cardiac Arrest” and The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition, visit www.stopcardiacarrest.org.
