Project Heart ReStart - Saving Lives In Greater Cincinnati

Project Heart ReStart was launched on May 31, 2006, when 17 AEDs were given to non-profit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area.  Today, the program is a community outreach program of The Christ Hospital, dedicated to reducing the death rate of sudden cardiac arrest in Greater Cincinnati.  The program provides CPR and AED training, increased access to publicly-placed AEDs and builds awareness of sudden cardiac arrest. 

Statistics suggest sudden cardiac arrest survival in the region may be as low as 5%. For sudden cardiac arrest and heart attack victims who collapse at home or in a public place, the chance of receiving bystander CPR in many communities is as low as 11.5%.  This is important because bystander CPR, performed prior to the arrival of EMS, could help save 25% or more sudden cardiac arrest victims.   

As of today, Project Heart ReStart has provided 210 AEDs to non-profit organizations in Greater Cincinnati and provided CPR training to more than 4200 people.  The program supports placement of AEDs in locations with significant exposure to people—locations with many employees, volunteers, and/or visitors. 

Fortunately, using an AED and performing CPR are not skills that you will use everyday.  However, your knowledge and skill could mean a lifetime for the victim, who is likely to be someone you know such a co-worker or relative. When that time comes, will you be ready?  

Information on maintaining an AED.

Emergency treatment for heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest

A heart attack victim who is awake does not need CPR or an AED, but should call 911, chew an aspirin, and rest until EMS arrives.  EMS will provide initial assessment and treatment, including the acquisition and transmission of an ECG to the emergency department, which can speed hospital treatment for your condition upon your arrival. 

A sudden cardiac arrest victim will become suddenly unresponsive and collapses to the floor.  This victim needs someone to call 911, immediate CPR, and an AED to be retrieved and used as soon as possible.  Failure to do at least the first two actions prior to the arrival of EMS will likely lead to patient death.

CPR-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

American Heart Association recommends Hands-Only™ CPR.  First, call 911 (or have someone call for you).  Second, push hard and fast in the center of the chest between the nipples.  Press down far enough to squeeze the heart, and go at a pace of at least 100 per minute but allowing the chest to fully recoil between each compression.  .  

AED-Automated External Defibrillator

An Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, is used to deliver an electric shock to the heart and stop fibrillation.  The sooner one is used following cardiac arrest, the more likely it will convert the heart’s rhythm.  AEDs are not only carried by most emergency responders but can be found and accessed by laypersons in many public buildings.  

An AED is very easy to use and should be used as soon as possible on any person who is receiving CPR.  Simply turn on the AED, than follow the voice prompts from the AED.  It will tell you exactly what to do until emergency responders arrive.

Maintain and Register Your AED

Automated external defibrillators are simple to use and easy to maintain.  Failing to maintain your AED can lead to disaster when it is needed.  Plan to be successful!  

There are two things you should do to make sure your AED is always ready when needed:   

• Check your AED regularly according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.  In particular, check the battery indicator regularly to assure it is functional, and check the expiration date on the electrodes.  Failure to maintain these items in a state of readiness is a common cause of AED failure when needed.

• Register your AED in the National AED Registry.  This is a free service that will provide periodic reminders to check your AED, especially when the battery or electrodes are due for replacement.  In some communities, the 911 center can alert a caller that your AED is available (if registered) when a call is received from your location, and alert designated responders in your business.  For more information, go to www.nationalaedregistry.com .

Project Funding

Funding for Project Heart ReStart comes from generous donors throughout our community. Financial support helps us provide AEDs for distribution to Greater Cincinnati organizations that cannot otherwise afford to purchase this needed equipment. 

Approximately 90% of our donations are applied to the placement of AEDs in Greater Cincinnati! The remainder supports producing and distributing educational materials about the dangers of sudden cardiac arrest and the need for AEDs throughout our region.  

Support through Sponsorship

Several organizations and individuals were instrumental in the birth of Project Heart ReStart. Together, they shared a commitment to creating a heart-safe environment in Greater Cincinnati. 

Because of our generous donors, Project Heart ReStart is saving lives in Greater Cincinnati. There are still many non-profit organizations on a waiting list for an AED. You can help make a difference! 

Founders Club:

• Medtronic/Physio-Control 

• Cardiac Science      

• The Christ Hospital   

• Ohio National Financial Services   

• Cincinnati State Technical & Community College 

• Zoll Medical  

• Cintas         

• Convergys        

• Comey & Shepherd Realtors (Laurie Nippert Leonard)

• Al Neyer, Inc.     

• Ohio Heart & Vascular Center  

• Mayfield Clinic  

• Humana  

For More Information

For more information on Project Heart ReStart, sudden cardiac arrest, registering your AED, or how to obtain an AED for your company or organization, please contact: 

Mark Johnston, Coordinator, Project Heart ReStart
The Christ Hospital Health Network
2139 Auburn Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45219
Phone: 513.263.1420
​E-mail