When a person experiences a sudden cardiac event, odds are measured in time. Survival rates can vary widely, from zero to 50 percent, depending on who happens to be there and how or if they are equipped to help. The national survival rate from a bystander-witnessed, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm is only 28.4 percent. This rate increases significantly if a bystander is trained on how to respond.

Minot is pursuing a Cardiac Ready Community designation, and Trinity Health needs your help. The Cardiac Ready Communities project is a partnership of the North Dakota Department of Health’s Division of Emergency Medical Systems and the American Heart Association, through the North Dakota Cardiac System of Care. This initiative prepares community members to aid anyone experiencing a heart-related emergency.

Research shows that communities increase survival and recovery rates for victims of heart attack, stroke or sudden cardiac arrest, when residents are aware of cardiac emergency signs and symptoms, call 9-1-1 for these emergencies, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and have public access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in North Dakota.

“Cardiac death is the number one killer among populations, but the rural areas in Ward County can help save more people by being ready to respond,” said Erica Erck, cardiac coordinator.

By being Cardiac Ready, the survival rate can go up. To achieve this goal, Trinity Health needs the help of the community through interest and buy-in.

Several other communities in North Dakota have been designated Cardiac Ready, and others are working toward a Cardiac Ready Community designation. Trinity Health wants Minot to be next.

Trinity Health will be hosting an educational meeting on Cardiac Ready on March 26 at noon and 6 p.m. at the Health Center – Riverside Education Center. They will discuss what a Cardiac Ready community is and the next steps to become it.

RSVP to Kathleen White at 857-5099 or kathleen.white@trinityhealth.org; a meal and refreshments will be provided at both meetings.