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The National SCA Survivor NetworkSCA Survivors ForumECCU December 8, 2010Mary Newman

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What is the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation?

The SCA Foundation is an independent, nonprofit center of excellence focused

exclusively on reducing death and disability from sudden cardiac arrest.

Its mission is “To raise awareness and support programs that give

‘ordinary’ people the power to save a life.” For more information, visit

www.sca-aware.org.

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Scope of the Problem

Sudden Cardiac Arrest:A Public Health Crisis

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Chain of Survival

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Survival Rates

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National SCA Survivor Registry

Opportunity for survivors and families to:

• Find their peers• Share experiences and

provide mutual support

• Participate in research and awareness initiatives

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Characteristics of Survivors in Network

• White (96%)

• Male (63%)

• Mean age=45

• No prior known history (71%)

Self-reported data

n=246

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Location of Arrest

• Most common locations:– Park, golf course, sports field, other outdoor

location (20%)– Work (16%)– Home (13%)

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Emergency Response

• Bystander CPR (73%)– Co-workers (49%) – Friends/family members (30%)– Strangers (29%)

• Treated with defibrillator (28%)

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Post-Survival Care

• Mild therapeutic hypothermia (cooling) 28%

• ICD therapy (72%)

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Outcomes

• Returned to previous level of functioning (71%)

• Returned to previous level of functioning, with some limitations (10%)

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Limitations and Conclusions

• Self-reported information based on hearsay

• Generally reflect the literature with two exceptions:– Younger (45 vs. 65 years old)– Unaware of treatment with defibrillators

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Common Concerns

• “I have mild memory loss and confusion.”• “I am very tired after a day’s work at the

office.”• “It has caused me great anxiety about another

event.”• “I am afraid to go to sleep.”• “Physically I have recovered. Emotionally, it is

hard.”

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Joy and Appreciation

• “I cherish the fact that I am here for my kids.”

• “Things that were once important no longer are.”

• “I am much more grateful to be alive.”• “It made us more aware of the value of

each moment.”

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Joy and Appreciation

• “Each day is a gift.”

• “I am thankful constantly for God’s grace.”

• “It brought us a lot closer.”

• “I feel very blessed to be alive.”

• “We are a much, much closer family.”

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Paying It Forward

• “I am more aware of SCA and the need for AEDs.”

• “Since my event, I have become an EMT.”

• “I am working to make people aware of SCA.”

• “I’ll do anything I can to help others survive.”

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Join Our Community

Survivors Register here: www.sca-aware.org/sca-survivor-network Registration is free!

Survivors and Loved Ones •Register here:http://www.sca-aware.org/sca-communityRegistration is free!•Join the discussion here:http://www.sca-aware.org/forum•Become our fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/youcansavealife•Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/youcansavealife•Join our Group on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com, search Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation•Visit our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/SCAfoundation