High-Perfusion CPR Technology Dramatically Improves Cardiac Arrest Survival

New technology dramatically improves cardiac arrest survival in Collierville, Tenn. Serving in the medical oversight role for nearly 30 EMS services in and around Memphis, Tenn., I have the challenging task of tailoring equipment and protocols to each site's population, budget and needs. Collierville is a Memphis suburb, with a population of around 45,000. Its residents are relatively affluent and well-educated, and community education efforts have improved the frequency and quality of bystander CPR. It's a perfect example of a small town that's done very well in improving survival from cardiac arrest, which is why I felt additional technology could take the town to the next level. Collierville Fire and Rescue (CFR) is a full-time department with approximately 70 personnel. CFR provides life safety, fire protection and customer service to the community through the delivery of fire suppression, ALS, specialized technical rescue operations and other services. Each year, CFR responds to an average of 3,500 calls, 70% of which are EMS-related, including around 40 cardiac arrest calls each year. The department maintains an average response time of 4 minutes 50 seconds to all incidents from five strategically located firehouses throughout the community. All firefighters are cross-trained in EMS and are licensed as paramedics or Advanced EMTs (AEMTs). Historically, the incidence of bystander CPR was good in Collierville, the result of years of community ed...
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Patient Care Cardiac & Resuscitation Source Type: news