Cardiac Save Rate Soars in San Juan County

Each year, approximately 300,000 persons in the United States experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) or sudden death with an average of only 7.8% surviving to be discharged from the hospital.

But here in Washington State and San Juan County, the story is very different.

Under the direction of Dr. Michael Sullivan, the county’s EMS agencies have participated in the Seattle Medic One Resuscitation Academy, changed our cardiac arrest protocols to incorporate the best science in resuscitation and outfitted all of our EMTs with First Responder bags and AED units.  The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers provide excellent call taking and pre-arrival instructions including telephone prompted CPR before EMS arrives.

San Juan County is in the top tier of cardiac arrest save rates in the state and well above the national average at around 50%.

If someone suddenly collapses or stops breathing, call 9-1-1 and do hands only CPR until EMS arrives.

For further information go to www.mycares.net.