Collier resuscitation rate at record high

EMS paramedics and cross-trained firefighters brought back to life 36 percent of the people in sudden cardiac arrest and who were given advance life support during this past fiscal year, EMS officials said.

During the recent fiscal year ending Sept. 30, EMS responded to 58 sudden cardiac arrest potential deaths and saved 21 of the patients, EMS Director Jeff Page said.

In fiscal 2002, paramedics responded to 71 sudden cardiac arrest potential deaths and saved 20 of the patients, for a 28 percent resuscitation rate, he said.

"We certainly are very happy with it," he said of the increase. "It's a combination of law enforcement, fire departments -- not just us."

EMS was recognized in 1995 by the state for achieving a 26 percent resuscitation rate, and now that has increased 10 percent.

Dr. Robert Tober, medical director of EMS, said he hasn't seen the numbers.

"I have no idea what those reports mean until I see the data," he said Friday.

Collier's EMS has been in the forefront of getting automatic external defibrillators deployed at public places and training firefighters and law enforcement officers, as well as citizens, in using the machines.

In addition, EMS has been cross-training firefighters in advanced life support techniques. This past summer, EMS entered into cross-training agreements with the East Naples and city of Marco Island fire departments, and the city of Naples fire department got started Oct. 1 in a similar arrangement.

Often, fire engines or patrol officers are first to arrive at a call and can start the resuscitation, Page said.

"We put a lot of time into training this year," Page said.

Tober said EMS's long-range plan has been getting as many automatic external defibrillators in the hands of police officers, firefighters and citizens as possible for improving save rates.

"Certainly the paramount No. 1 issue in cardiac resuscitation is how fast we get that first defibrillating shock" to the patient, he said. "Everything else pales."