Project
Heart ReStart: CPR and AED training
Project Heart ReStart is a community outreach program of The Christ Hospital Health Network dedicated to reducing the death rate of sudden cardiac arrest in Greater Cincinnati.
The program provides:
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training – a procedure that combines rescue breathing and chest compressions
Automated external defibrillator (AED) training – a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and sends an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm
Increased access to publicly- placed AEDs
Greater awareness of sudden cardiac arrest
Since 2006, Project Heart ReStart has trained more than 6,500 people in CPR. We have also placed 250 AEDs in nonprofit organizations in Greater Cincinnati.
Nonprofits may apply for an AED
Project Heart ReStart awards AEDs to nonprofit organizations based on our funding. We invite you to submit an application.
If you already have an AED and need information on keeping it maintained in good working order, please download our AED Maintenance Checklist.
Help increase chances of survival
For sudden cardiac arrest and heart attack victims who collapse at home or in a public place, the chance of receiving bystander CPR is low—only 11.5 percent.
If bystander CPR can be performed prior to the arrival of an emergency medical team, it could help save 25% or more people. In many cases, these people could be our co-workers or relatives.
If both CPR is performed and an AED is used before an emergency medical team arrives, chance of survival could be as high as 75%.
In either case, time is critical. The faster these efforts are started, the better the chance of survival.
Helping someone with a heart attack versus sudden cardiac arrest
A heart attack victim who is awake does not need CPR or an AED. Bystanders should call 911, ask the victim to chew an aspirin, and tell them to rest until emergency medical service (EMS) arrives.
A victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) will suddenly collapse and become unresponsive. Bystanders should call 911, perform CPR immediately and seek an AED to use as soon as possible. Your goal is to keep CPR going to keep blood flowing to the brain and body organs until an AED is available or an ambulance arrives.
The basics of CPR
For bystanders who wish to help, the American Heart Association makes the basics of CPR simple, with their two-step 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.
Why and how to use an AED
When someone collapses with cardiac arrest, their heart goes into a state of dangerous erratic beating (fibrillation) or stops. One of the most effective ways to get it going again is with a sudden powerful electric shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED)—as soon as possible.
Bystanders can find AEDs in many public buildings. They are very easy to use. Simply turn it on and follow the voice prompts. Do exactly what it tells you to do until emergency responders arrive.
The American Red Cross breaks it down into these seven steps: Turn on the AED and follow the visual and/or audio prompts.
Open the person’s shirt and wipe his or her bare chest dry.
Attach the AED pads; plug in pads connector cable if not already attached.
When attached, AED will prompt to ‘Stand Clear’ or ‘Do not touch the person’. Briefly stop compressions.
The AED will analyze the heart rhythm to determine next step. Some AEDs may prompt you to push an ‘Analyze’ button.
If the AED recommends a shock, you will be prompted to push a shock button or to stand clear if one is automatically delivered.
Following the shock (or if no shock is recommended), you will be prompted to restart compressions unless the person becomes responsive.
Continue to follow the prompts of the AED until the emergency medical team arrives, including compressions and additional shocks if needed.
Keep your AED working and available to responders
There are two things you should do to make sure your AED is always ready when needed:
Check it regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. In particular, check the battery indicator and the expiration date on the electrodes.
Register your AED in the National AED Registry. This free service provides periodic reminders to check your AED. In some communities, the 911 center will tell a caller that your registered AED is available, and alert designated responders in your organization.
Funding for Project Heart ReStart
Generous donors throughout our community make Project Heart ReStart possible. Ninety percent of funds provide AEDs to organizations that cannot otherwise afford them. The remainder buys educational materials to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and the need for AEDs. We often have non-profit organizations on our waiting list. Your gift can help!
Who’s Who in our Founders Club
Many organizations and individuals contributed to the birth of Project Heart ReStart. Because of their commitment to creating a heart-safe environment in Greater Cincinnati, Project Heart ReStart is saving lives.
Project Heart ReStart Founders Club
Learn more about Project Heart ReStart at The Christ Hospital
Contact:
Mark Johnston, CoordinatorProject Heart ReStartThe Christ Hospital Health Network2100 Sherman AvenueCincinnati, OH 45212