A JOINT RESOLUTION recognizing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (cpr) and automated external defibrillator (AED) awareness week.
Whereas, heart disease affects men, women, and children of every age and race in the United States, and it continues to be the leading cause of death in America; and
Whereas, approximately 295,000 emergency medical services‑treated out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrests occur annually nationwide; and
Whereas, nearly 92 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before being discharged from a hospital; and
Whereas, sudden cardiac arrest results from an abnormal heart rhythm in most adults, often ventricular fibrillation; and
Whereas, only 31.4 percent of out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest victims receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and
Whereas, prompt delivery of CPR more than doubles the victim's chance of survival by helping to maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain, increasing the amount of time in which an electric shock from a defibrillator may be effective; and
Whereas, an automated external defibrillator (AED), even when used by a bystander, is safe, easy to operate, and, if used immediately after the onset of sudden cardiac arrest, highly effective in terminating ventricular fibrillation so the heart can resume a normal, effective rhythm; and
Whereas, for every minute without bystander CPR, survival from witnessed cardiac arrest decreases 7‑10 percent; and
Whereas, the interval between the 911 telephone call and the arrival of emergency medical services personnel is usually longer than five minutes; therefore, a cardiac arrest victim's survival is likely to depend on a public trained in CPR and AED use and access to these lifesaving devices; and
Whereas, the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and the National Safety Council are preparing a public awareness and training campaign on CPR and AED use to be held during the first week of June; and
Whereas, the General Assembly joins the national campaign in recognizing CPR and AED Awareness Week and pauses to pay tribute to those who have helped to improve the chances for survival of those having sudden cardiac arrests, including Dr. Peter Safar, who is often referred to as "the Father of CPR" as a result of his pioneering cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly recognizes June 1 through 7, 2010, as CPR and AED Awareness Week, commends the good work of the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and the National Safety Council, and encourages all Americans to become properly trained in CPR and AED usage.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Dr. Peter Safar and others for their contributions in improving the chances for survival for people having cardiac arrests.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.