Is your community heart safe?

May 14, 6:46 AMHartford Health ExaminerSuzanne Flynn

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Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the State of Connecticut and according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (the “DPH”); approximately 4500 Connecticut residents die each year from sudden cardiac arrest.

Numerous programs have been launched by the DPH in an effort to reduce the number of cardiac associated deaths. One such program, the “HEARTSafe Program”, was launched by the DPH in 2006, and aims to reduce the number of cardiac associated deaths by creating communities that are better prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. This is accomplished through education, training and access to advanced life saving equipment, including Automatic External Defibrillators (“AED’s”).

Currently, there are 30 of 169 communities in the State of Connecticut that have been awarded the HEARTSafe Community designation. Designation is awarded based upon a certain required number of CPR training facilities, AED’s, and pre-hospital advanced life support capabilities within a community.

Many communities may already have the required number of training facilities, AED’s and life support capabilities, and simply need to fill out the DPH application in order to become certified.

The program’s goal may be closer within reach, as AED’s in the very near future will likely become more accessible. Current proposed legislation would require all public schools and health clubs in the State of Connecticut to be equipped with AED’s.

HEARTSafe community applications are available online at www.dph.state.ct.us