Title
To recognize October as Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
Body
WHEREAS, Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the third leading cause of death in the United States, impacting over 350,000 people annually; and
WHEREAS, In Columbus, almost 600 residents suffer from sudden cardiac arrest each year and only about 12% survive; and
WHEREAS, The most effective treatment for sudden cardiac arrest is early bystander intervention. If a victim receives CPR, with or without rescue breaths, or receives defibrillation from an to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), the chances of their recovery almost double; and
WHEREAS, Sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning and effect anyone regardless of age or gender. In most cases, the victim has no history of heart disease; and
WHEREAS, The symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest include shortness of breath, fatigue, fainting, dizziness, heart palpitations, and chest pain. If residents recognize these symptoms, they should call 9-1-1 immediately and begin CPR; and
WHEREAS, The Columbus Division of Fire, American Heart Association, and the American Red Cross provide information and training for residents to respond in cases of sudden cardiac arrest; and
WHEREAS, The free Columbus Division of Fire PulsePoint App is a tool to increase survival of sudden cardiac arrest by alerting trained bystanders to respond in cases of sudden cardiac arrest in their immediate area; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize October as sudden cardiac arrest awareness month, and urges all residents of Columbus to learn and recognize the symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest and prepare for the event .