Recently, Flagstaff Medical Center and Guardian Medical Transport were featured on CNN for the success we have had in increasing the survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. The story focused on FMC’s and GMT's role in implementing and training EMS providers in the new Cardiocerebral Resuscitation protocols.

The story aired on the Campbell Brown show. To view the story, click here.

Cardiocerebral Resuscitation (CCR), known as Hands-Only CPR, is a new life-saving technique that is gaining national recognition as an easier and more effective alternative to traditional CPR. CCR emphasizes continuous chest compressions and eliminates mouth-to-mouth breathing.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), about 5,000 cases of sudden cardiac arrest occur in Arizona annually. Arizona shows a three-fold increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates through the use of CCR or Hands-Only CPR compared to traditional CPR.

The CNN crew spent two full days in Flagstaff filming interviews and file footage. The segments include an interview with 33-year-old cardiac arrest survivor Kathie Harden, from Bellmont, and her husband Scott. If Scott had not performed Hands-Only CPR while waiting for Guardian Medical Transport to arrive, Kathie would not have survived her cardiac arrest. Additionally, CNN interviewed physicians, nurses and paramedics from FMC, Guardian Air and Guardian Medical Transport.

The two different segments aired:
• Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. MST – Kathie Harden’s story on the Campbell Brown Show. The segment features interviews with cardiac arrest survivor Kathie Harden, FMC physicians and Guardian Medical Transport staff.
• Saturday, Oct. 17 & Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 and 9 p.m. MST – Another Day: Cheating Death documentary will profile FMC’s role in impacting cardiac arrest survival rate in Arizona. The documentary features interviews with FMC physicians and Guardian Air and Guardian Medical Transport staff.

It takes just minutes to learn how to save a life. If you are interested in learning more about CCR, Guardian Medical Transport is available to offer hands-on training sessions for your community or service group. To schedule a training session, call 928 213-6277.