The Mount Sinai School of Medicine is offering an exciting opportunity for property management companies to implement an emergency response system at residential sites. This program is the Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Trial. It is part of a nationwide study being conducted to help communities find the best ways to respond to cardiac arrest.
Those residential sites where significant numbers of tenants are aged 50 or over are eligible for participation. Designated personnel at those sites such as doormen, security guards and superintendents are trained as volunteer responders to sudden cardiac arrest. Free CPR training and in some cases, free automated external defibrillator (AED) training and placement is provided.
NYARM has been identified as a source for locating potential study sites. Already, NYARM manager member developments such as Amalgamated Warbasse Houses in Brooklyn and Mutual Redevelopment Houses in Manhattan are participating in the program.
SUDDEN CARDIAC ARRESTSudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among adults in North America. It is a condition in which the heart stops abruptly and unexpectedly. It is usually caused by an abnormality in the heart's electrical system, called ventricular fibrillation. The best treatment for sudden cardiac arrest is prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by witnesses to the arrest, plus prompt defibrillation by the Emergency Medical System (EMS).
Most victims of sudden cardiac arrest (about 95%) do not survive, usually, it is believed, because they do not have immediate access to CPR and defibrillation. The purpose of this PAD Trial program is to determine optimum strategies for delivering rapid defibrillation in community settings. In most communities, defibrillation is provided by EMS responders, such as paramedics and emergency medical technicians. This study will investigate whether training and equipping non-medical personnel in the use of AEDs can help improve survival and whether such a program is cost-effective.
PROFILEPotential sites must have a minimum of 250 apartments, per building, with approximately 50 percent of the residents over the age of 50. Enrollment for the PAD Trial is limited and the enrollment deadline for new study sites is January 31, 2001. CPR/AED training will begin in February, 2001.
Jennifer Holohan, Project Director for the New York City PAD Trial has contacted NYARM to help bring public attention to this worthwhile program. If you feel you have a building or development that fits the profile and could benefit from this program please contact the NYARM office at 212-505-8770 immediately so that we can get you in touch with Ms. Holohan and bring this life saving initiative to your community.