Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association Launches South Flori...( Group Will Work to Prevent Sudden...),Health

Group Will Work to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest Through Public Education and Advocacy

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA) announced today that it has launched a South Florida chapter as it builds a network of local organizations to help carry out its mission of preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

The South Florida chapter is led by Elliot Fisch of Boca Raton, Florida who has long been involved in the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in South Florida schools, health clubs and other public facilities. Over the next several months, Fisch will be working to involve medical and emergency professionals, SCA survivors, patients and others to work together to expand the deployment of AEDs, promote CPR training, provide cardiac patient support, and educate the public about sudden cardiac arrest.

"I am personally excited about helping SCAA build a presence in South Florida and involve the entire community in our efforts to save lives," said Elliot. "As part of a national organization, we will have broad visibility and be able to make a bigger impact across our region. We want to expand the presence of AEDs in our communities and also make people more aware of the risks of sudden cardiac arrest so that they can be better informed about their health care."

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading killer in the U.S., striking more than 350,000 annually, with a survival rate of only about five percent. The death rate for SCA exceeds the combined death rate of breast cancer, lung cancer, stroke and HIV/AIDS. SCA is triggered by an electrical problem with the heart that causes the heart to stop beating, and is often confused with a heart attack. SCA victims can often be revived with CPR and quick access to defibrillation to shock the heart back into rhythm. While there are more AEDs in public facilities and more patients implanted with Internal Cardiac Defibri
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