Every year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital, with most happening at home. Sadly, only 10% of people who suffer an out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OOHCA) survive. As we approach CPR and AED Awareness Week (June 1–7), you could be the difference between life and death. You can help change these numbers. By performing Hands-Only CPR you can double or even triple the chance of survival. Will you help us turn a nation of bystanders into a nation of lifesavers?
The American Heart Association created the Nation of Lifesavers movement to ensure that at least one person in every household knows Hands-Only CPR. The goal: double out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest survival rates by 2030.
In Chicago, the American Heart Association received a grant from the Westlake Health Foundation to implement its cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) across the Proviso Township area. The Association is working directly with three local organizations —Corazón Community Services in Cicero, West40 in Maywood, and The Children’s Center of Cicero and Berwyn’s Clyde Park location — to help their staff and communities implement this lifesaving initiative.
The CERP goes beyond basic CPR and AED training. It helps organizations develop tailored emergency response plans to address cardiac arrest scenarios. According to the American Heart Association, implementing a CERP can improve sudden cardiac arrest survival rates by 50% or more.
Corazón Community Services was the first to sign up. As a community leader offering youth programs, employment opportunities, violence prevention initiatives, and health services, Corazón saw a CERP as a powerful addition to its mission. The organization hopes to empower its young participants to become CPR advocates within their families and neighborhoods.
“CPR and cardiac emergency response Plans are lifesaving and critically missing in our communities,” said Jocelyn Vega, director of community impact at the American Heart Association, Chicago. “Cardiac arrest should not be a death sentence based on access to knowledge. These lifesaving practices should not be a privilege. It’s critical to activate this information in partnership with organizations that can empower communities to take action.”
West40 also emerged as a key partner. The organization supports students and 38 school districts in the region, helping them and their families reach their highest potential. After implementing its first CERP, West40 is eager to expand the program throughout its networks to improve community-wide readiness.
Implementing a CERP is more than a single CPR training, it’s a holistic process. Vega helps each organization form an emergency response team and design a plan that reflects its specific needs and capacity.
“All organizations and community settings can benefit from implementing a CERP,” said Vega. “Unfortunately, with cardiac arrest, it’s not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’ Together, we can address the trauma and lack of preparation in a supportive environment.”
The Children’s Center of Cicero and Berwyn – Clyde Park, which provides educational and developmental programs for children and families, also embraced the CERP. After implementing the plan, they organized CPR awareness tables during daycare pick-up times to reach busy parents.
Cardiac arrest becomes fatal in just 10 minutes — having a plan in place is critical. “Every minute counts. So does every conversation with a community member,” said Vega. “We can change how people view medical emergencies and build a culture of resiliency.”
If your organization is interested in CPR education or implementing a CERP, contact Jocelyn Vega at Jocelyn.Vega@heart.org.
