Sudden Cardiac Arrest Leaders To Issue Call for Action at Capitol Hill
As CPR Turns 50, Organizations Lobby for SCA Awareness and Action
More than 40 organizations joined forces in Washington, DC on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition Briefing, marking the 50th Anniversary of the development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The SCA leaders, including the Heart Rhythm Society, challenged Members of Congress and all Americans to ensure more people survive Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
The 43 organizations that make up the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition have the common goal of increasing survival rates for SCA across the country. SCA occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating and blood ceases to flow to the brain and other vital organs. Currently, most SCA victims die within minutes. However, with more education and knowledge about the condition, anyone can save a life by using CPR and AEDs.
Call to Action
The Coalition specifically came together to ask Members of Congress to commit to the following three agenda items:
- Make Sudden Cardiac Arrest a reportable condition
- Encourage their state education department to include CPR in all high school curricula as a requirement for graduation
- Join the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, made up of more than 200 members of Congress who are dedicated to the fight against heart disease and stroke
October 5, 2010 Event Details
| 12:00–12:05 p.m. |
Welcome
Alice Lara, Chair, SCA Coalition |
| 12:05–12:15 p.m. |
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: What You Can Do to Help Save Lives
Dr. Lance Becker, University of Pennsylvania |
| 12:15–12:30 p.m. |
Media Awards
Robert Langreth and Matthew Herper, Forbes
David Epstein, Sports Illustrated |
| 12:30–12:45 p.m. |
Legislative Awards
Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH) |
| 12:45–12:55 p.m. |
My Story, Survivor TBD |
| 12:55–1:00 p.m. |
Acknowledgement of Survivors |
| 1:00–1:15 p.m. |
Learn to Save a Life |
