​​Strategies to Improve Cardiac Arrest Survival: A Time to Act (2015)

This report examines the complete system of response to cardiac arrest in the United States and identifies opportunities within existing and new treatments, strategies, and research that promise to improve survival and recovery of patients.

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What is Cardiac Arrest?

"Cardiac arrest is a severe malfunction or cessation of the electrical and mechanical activity of the heart, resulting in almost instantaneous loss of consciousness and collapse."

Opportunities for Improvement

"Some high-performing communities in the United States have reported survival rates of more than 60 percent for specific types of cardiac arrest, which indicates that saving more lives is possible." ​

Educating and Engaging the Public

"Because minutes count, the public plays a crucial role in saving a life by being prepared and willing to deliver basic life support before the arrival of professional emergency responders."