In this episode of SaveHeart Stories, host Dave Fritzsche, founder of SaveHeart by Heart Nation, speaks with Kevin Knussman, a veteran in emergency medical services and founder of Advocates for Early Defibrillation.

They discuss the critical issue of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the importance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and the collaborative efforts in Talbot County, Maryland, to improve community response to cardiac emergencies.

Kevin shares his journey in pioneering advanced life support programs, the role of community partnerships, and innovative initiatives in Florida's Villages aimed at increasing AED accessibility and public awareness. The conversation emphasizes the need for education, advocacy, and the importance of timely CPR and defibrillation in saving lives.

Takeaways

-Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the US.

-AEDs can significantly increase survival rates if used within the first five minutes.

-Community collaboration is essential for effective emergency response.

-Education and advocacy are key to increasing AED accessibility.

-Innovative programs can enhance community response to cardiac emergencies.

-CPR is critical in buying time for AED intervention.

-Public awareness of AED locations can save lives.

-The chemistry of the body deteriorates rapidly during cardiac arrest.

-Engaging local organizations can strengthen emergency medical services.

-Advocates for Early Defibrillation aims to improve access to life-saving technology.

Chapters

00:19 Introduction to Sudden Cardiac Arrest

03:22 Kevin Knussman's Journey in Emergency Medical Services

06:13 Pioneering Advanced Life Support in Talbot County

09:23 Community Collaboration and Resource Sharing

12:02 The Role of AEDs in Saving Lives

18:34 Advocacy and Education for Early Defibrillation

22:25 Addressing Gaps in CPR and AED Accessibility

27:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

Helpful Links:

SaveHeart by Heart Nation: https://www.saveheart.life/

Advocates for Early Defibrillation: https://www.facebook.com/Advocates.4.AEDs

Talbot County Paramedic Foundation: https://www.site.talbotparamedic.org/

Welcome to the SaveHeart Stories podcast. This is our first episode of many to come, featuring real life stories of lives changed by Sudden Cardiac Arrest and the availability of life saving AED devices.

In our first pilot episode of SaveHeart Stories, host David Fritzsche, owner of SaveHeart by Save Nation speaks with Dale Wakasugi, a two-time sudden cardiac arrest survivor and founder of MyAED and CPR Solutions. They discuss the critical importance of AEDs and CPR training in saving lives during cardiac emergencies.

Dale shares his personal experiences with cardiac arrest, the role of bystanders and AEDs in his survival, and his mission to increase awareness and accessibility of AEDs in public spaces. The conversation emphasizes the need for education on recognizing cardiac arrest and the importance of immediate action in emergencies.

Takeaways

-Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in America.

-Dale Wakasugi survived two cardiac arrests, inspiring his mission.

-AEDs can significantly increase survival rates during cardiac arrest.

-Immediate CPR and AED use are critical for survival.

-Awareness of AEDs has increased due to high-profile cases.

-Training in CPR is essential and accessible to everyone.

-Dale's commitment is to place AEDs in public spaces.

-Outdoor AEDs are becoming increasingly important for community safety.

-Survival rates can improve with timely intervention and training.

-Education on the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest is crucial.

To learn more about how Outdoor AEDs can keep your community safer, call 312-953-6928 or email dave@saveheart.life. Proudly ‘Made in the USA,’ SaveHeart’s highly visible, alarmed, lighted, temperature controlled and 24x7 monitored outdoor cabinets provide immediate visibility & access to lifesaving AEDs, Stop the Bleed Kits, Narcan and other emergency supplies. They are ideal for parks, athletic fields, trails, schools & universities, marinas, business districts, and any outdoor locations where people congregate.