HEARTSafe Community

You've seen the signs around town... 

What is a HEARTSafe Community?

HEARTSafe Communities is a program designed to promote survival from sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. It is a general concept focused upon strengthening the “chain of survival” as described by the American Heart Association; it recognizes and stimulates efforts by individual communities to improve their system for preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) from becoming irreversible death.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the nation and Connecticut. Approximately 4,500 Connecticut residents die each year due to SCA. Most of these deaths occur out of the hospital, away from advanced medical assistance and usually happen in the presence of a friend, family member or co-worker. Would you know what to do if it happened to someone in front of you?

Our town of Washington has been a HEARTSafe Community since 2009. Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) are located at our schools & many public buildings. Our local Ambulance, Fire, & Police personnel are trained in CPR & the use of AEDs. They are fully prepared to administer it when necessary. Most of our Teachers, Coaches, & Administrators are trained as well. Many of our citizens have become certified to give CPR. You can help too. Please contact us info@washingtonambulance.org to let us know what classes you are interested in. Or, visit http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class 

so you can be prepared in case of an emergency.