← Back to all news items

CHS Healthcare Improves Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates

Henrietta, NY, April 4, 2013 — CHS Healthcare released new data today indicating the agency improved cardiac arrest survival rates in 2012. Sudden cardiac arrest is widespread across the United States, occurring nearly 360,000 times per year (according to the American Heart Association, AHA). While tragic and the results are often grim, the availability of new data and science has allowed EMS providers to make clinical changes that have resulted in a notable improvement in patient outcome.

In 2012, CHS Healthcare paramedics attempted resuscitation on 24 patients. Of those, they were able to get a pulse back (this is known as “ROSC”, return of spontaneous circulation) on 13 patients (54%). This is in comparison to 2010 and 2011 where the ROSC rate was 18% and 20% respectively. While a seemingly low number, the increase is encouraging and is consistent with the national trend. While national data is not consistently reported, it’s believed the current national average for ROSC is between 16% and 20%.

The single biggest contributing factor for the improvement is an emphasis on chest compressions. In 2010, the AHA released new guidelines for everyone who provides CPR to a patient. Whereas the emphasis used to be on both compressions and breathing, the AHA now recommends focusing primarily on chest compressions along with early defibrillation.

“We’ve been working diligently to train our providers on the importance of high quality CPR, specifically uninterrupted chest compressions,” says Chris Murtaugh, Public Information officer. “But this improvement extends beyond our agency. We’ve partnered with the Henrietta Fire District and the greater Henrietta community as a whole to educate everyone on why strong, continuous chest compressions are important and how it can literally mean the difference between life and death in some cases.”

The agency continues to release the latest literature regarding cardiac arrest care to its members. Additionally, thanks to new technology, data regarding the accuracy and timeliness of chest compressions is reviewed after each cardiac arrest call. CHS Healthcare expects the ROSC rate to continue to improve in years to come.

CHS Healthcare has provided emergency medical care to the residents of Henrietta, NY and surrounding communities since 1962. The agency responds 24 hours-per-day to over 5,900 requests for service each year with its fleet of 9 emergency vehicles and 70 career and volunteer members. CHS Healthcare is certified to provide the highest possible level of emergency care in the nation, which includes an advanced life support paramedic response to designated calls. In addition, the agency provides a number of services to the community including a free loan closet for residents (crutches, canes and wheelchairs), complementary blood pressure checks, community CPR classes, and AED training. To learn more about CHS Healthcare and the services it provides, visit www.chsmobilehealth.org, call (585) 334-4190 or visit the headquarters at 280 Calkins Road in Henrietta.

# # #

Press Contact: Chris Murtaugh

Public Information Officer

CHS Healthcare

(585) 317-3222 cell

(585) 334-8172 fax

cmurtaugh@chsmobilehealth.org

www.chsmobilehealth.org