World CPR Challenge Aims to Train 1 Million People in Bystander CPR

Bystander CPR can triple survival rates for the more than 350,000 Americans who experience sudden cardiac arrest annually. While instances of bystander CPR have increased over the past several years, awareness, education and training remain critical to saving lives.

To continue its mission to increase bystander CPR rates, American Medical Response (AMR), the nation’s largest provider of emergency medical services and medical transportation, will host its fifth annual World CPR Challenge during National EMS Week, May 21-27. This year AMR partnered with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) with the goal of training 1 million people in bystander CPR—one of the largest bystander CPR trainings in history.

As part of the World CPR Challenge, the organizations will team up to host compression-only CPR training events across the country at schools, shopping malls and other community venues. The training takes three minutes and does not require an all-day certification course.

• A training event will be held on Saturday, May 27, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. CDT at the Dallas Zoo.

“Bystander CPR is a critical link in the chain of survival for sudden cardiac arrest,” said Edward Van Horne, president and CEO of AMR. “Research shows that compression-only CPR, meaning no mouth-to-mouth or rescue breathing, can increase survival rates for those suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. Frequent chest compressions move oxygenated blood through the body, keeping the brain and other organs alive until the heart can be restarted. Bystanders may be scared to jump in and help, or feel that they lack the training to make a difference, but we want them to know that conducting chest compressions and keeping blood flowing during the few minutes it takes EMS to arrive is critical and can save lives.”

“We want bystanders in our community to know that the power is in their hands to help a victim of sudden cardiac arrest,” said AMR Regional Director Theresa Hall. “However, we know the confidence to do so comes with the right education and training. That’s why we are bringing the World CPR Challenge to Dallas: to raise awareness and encourage education so bystanders can save the lives of potentially thousands of victims of sudden cardiac arrest.”

Since kicking off the World CPR Challenge in 2013, AMR has seen bystander CPR rates double from 21 to 41 percent.

To learn more about the World CPR Challenge and how you can participate, visit www.amr.net/cpr.

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About American Medical Response (AMR)

American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of medical transportation, provides services in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 25,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals work together to transport more than 4.4 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. AMR, a subsidiary of Envision Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: EVHC), is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net and follow @AMR_Social on Twitter.

About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)

The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.

About the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.