REMSA CONTINUES AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILATOR LOAN PROGRAM

June 23, 2005 – For the second consecutive year, the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) will continue a program to loan automatic external (cardiac) defibrillator (AED) for free to the public for large group or athletic events including walking or running events.

Every day in America, more than 1,000 people suffer a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) where the heart’s rhythm suddenly becomes chaotic and the heart stops abruptly. Victims lose consciousness, with death quickly following unless a normal heart rhythm is restored in less than five minutes.

Throughout the Truckee Meadows, REMSA responds to more than 500 sudden cardiac arrests each year; that’s more than one person in our community every day.

REMSA has been working to place life saving AED devices throughout the community to help shorten the time it takes to restore a regular heartbeat. The AED can be used by laypersons and medical professionals alike to deliver a shock to the patient, restoring normal heart rhythm.

For more information on how to obtain an AED, contact REMSA at 775-858-5700.

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720