Second person saved at Muehlenbeck Center: Use of defibrillators key to preventing death from cardiac arrest

When a person suffers sudden cardiac arrest, first responders have only a matter of minutes to act and save the persons life.

However, thanks to advances in technology, bystanders are now able to pitch in and help prior to the arrival of first responders, dramatically increasing the chances of survival, said Dr. Mark Gamber, medical director for Plano Fire-Rescue.

"The widespread availability of automated electronic defibrillators is relatively new because they have become less expensive and easier to use," said Gamber, who is also an emergency room physician at the Medical Center of Plano. "I think just about anybody from junior high on up could turn one on, follow the directions and save someone's life."

Gamber said AEDs are now common at schools and shopping malls, as well as many large businesses and other places where people gather. This is key, he said, since there is about a five-minute period to act when someone's heart stops beating because of cardiac arrest, and having bystanders perform CPR and use an AED keeps the clock from starting.

Nationwide, the average survival rate of people who suffer cardiac arrest and have a shockable heart rhythm, which often ceases to exist after the person's heart has been stopped for more than five minutes, is about 15 percent. However, in Plano, that rate is about 60 percent over the past two years, Gamber said, a fact he attributes partially to training and quick thinking of bystanders.

The use of AEDs by bystanders has saved at least three lives in Plano since Jan. 30, said Capt. Peggy Harrell of Plano Fire-Rescue. Two of those cases, including one last week, occurred at the Tom Muehlenbeck Center, where all employees are receive CPR training as well as training on how to use the center's three AEDs. A fourth person was saved on Feb. 8 at a west Plano Walmart when bystanders performed CPR but did not use an AED.

"These CPR save stories are proof that our outreach efforts and CPR training are coming together and saving lives," Fire Chief Brian Crawford said in a statement. "Citizens are empowered with the knowledge and skill to do what needs to be done in the minutes after witnessing a cardiac arrest, calling 911 to get the fire crews on the way and performing CPR. Plano's a great place to live, and while it may seem strangely comforting, a great place to have a cardiac arrest if you're going to have one."

Crawford was working out at the Muehlenbeck Center on Jan. 30 when a man suffered cardiac arrest. He was initially attended to by the recreation center's staff and was released from the hospital two days later. On Feb. 21 the man, as well as members of the fire department who responded to the incident, were back at the center to recognize the recreation center employees when another man collapsed while playing basketball and was saved by the same people from the Jan. 30 incident.

"Not a lot of cities have a parks and recreation staff that is as well trained as ours," said Gamber, who was present during the second rescue. "A lot of the credit needs to go to them. These were their fifth and sixth saves at parks and recreation facilities over the past two years."

AEDs can be found for about $1,200 on the Internet. People wishing to receive training on the use of AEDs or CPR can contact Harrell at 972-941-7421 or the Plano Parks and Recreation Department at 972-941-7520.

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