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Heartbeat of Diversity: Promoting CPR Education and AED Access
Sudden cardiac arrest is a silent killer, claiming the lives of approximately 350,000 Americans each year, with a survival rate of less than 10%. The grim reality is that this rate is even lower for residents in Black communities due to disparities in bystander CPR rates. The dire need for early intervention cannot be overstated. Every moment without CPR or basic life support (BLS) drastically reduces the chances of survival.
ACC FIT Anezi Uzendu, MD, an interventional cardiologist and cardiac arrest survivor himself, recognized this urgent need and launched Make BLS Basic, a virtual CPR training program for high school students of predominantly non-White racial backgrounds. Through interactive online modules and virtual simulations, students learn essential CPR techniques and gain practical experience responding to cardiac emergencies.
The success of Make BLS Basic extends beyond CPR skill development. Participants have reported increased confidence in recognizing and responding to cardiac arrest scenarios and heightened awareness of the importance of AED usage with CPR. The program's innovative approach to CPR education demonstrates the potential of digital platforms to reach underserved populations and address disparities in access to health care. By leveraging technology to deliver high-quality training remotely, Make BLS Basic breaks down barriers to CPR education and empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to become lifesaving heroes in their communities.
Furthermore, events such as the cardiac arrest of Buffalo Bills football player Damar Hamlin have brought national attention to the critical role of AEDs in saving lives. Prompt recognition of cardiac arrest, coupled with immediate CPR and access to an AED, can indicate the difference between life and death. The swift action taken in Hamlin's case highlights the importance of having AEDs readily available in public spaces including schools and sports facilities.
In response to the pressing need for improved access to AEDs, bipartisan legislation known as the Access to AEDs Act has been introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill would establish a federal grant program for schools to purchase, maintain and provide training for AEDs, as well as to develop comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans. By promoting the implementation of AED programs in schools and supporting CPR training initiatives, this legislation aims to save lives and mitigate the devastating impact of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) on communities nationwide.
The ACC has been a dedicated advocate for policies addressing SCA, advocating for CPR training as a high school graduation requirement and school investment in AEDs. ACC's efforts were further amplified during the 2023, where over 300 clinicians convened in Washington, DC, to discuss a range of legislative issues, including the importance of early CPR and AED access, with federal lawmakers. By sharing patient stories and emphasizing the urgent need for legislative action, the ACC played a pivotal role in garnering support for initiatives such as the Access to AEDs Act.
As physicians, we bear the collective responsibility to advocate for policies that prioritize early CPR and AED access, particularly in underserved communities where disparities in health care persist. By supporting legislation such as the Access to AEDs Act and continuing to raise awareness about the importance of bystander intervention, especially in schools, we can save lives and prevent the devastating loss of young people to SCA. The success of programs such as Make BLS Basic highlight the transformative potential of digital education in reaching diverse populations and equipping individuals with lifesaving skills. Together, let us commit to leveraging technology, legislation and community engagement to ensure that every individual has the knowledge and resources to act swiftly in the face of cardiac emergencies. Every second counts when a life hangs in the balance.
Register here for ACC Legislative Conference 2024, taking place from Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 in Washington, DC.
This article was authored by Nazli Okumus, MD, an FIT at Allegheny Health Network.
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