LYNCHBURG, VA--The chances of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Lynchburg are higher than ever, thanks to local emergency responders. "Here in Lynchburg right now my numbers are between 54 and 56 percent, said Lynchburg EMS Battalion Chief Heather Childress. Every year, about 300,000 Americans have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, meaning their circulation and hearts stop.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that 92 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims die.
But last year, paramedics jumpstarted 18 hearts, saving 18 lives out of the 32 they attempted to save in Lynchburg.
Those numbers put Lynchburg among the best in the country. In Seattle, the rate of Return of Spontaneous Circulation, or ROSC, is 56 percent, said Childress.
Seattle is truly the best, and Lynchburg is right up there with them, she said.
"It kind of rocks to be honest," said Childress. "It's this kind of stuff that makes me proud to work here everyday."
SOURCE: Firefighting News