Another life lost - Joan Rivers

Cardiac Arrest is probably not something any of us would expect to be experiencing when going to a clinic for a fairly straight-forward, somewhat non-invasive procedure. With the recent unexplained and surprising death of Joan Rivers many have been discussing details about the events right before emergency response was called to the scene. 

Thoughts about these types of procedures and what can happen often vary and now with the death of Joan Rivers,  SCA (Sudden CardiacArrest) is once again brought to the surface of discussion as a popular comedian loses her life to SCA.

If you are over 35 in good health or not and if you’re going to have any kind of procedure done, it is imperative that you ask questions of the medical professionals in that particular office. Find out if all licenses are up to date and all staff is trained in CPR. Check office references and ask around about the office and staff.

Joan Rivers simply was an outpatient seeing a Gastroenterologist for a procedure on her vocal chords. As with most procedures where someone is sedated, medical instruments would have been inserted into her throat. Unfortunately we don’t have all of the details but essentially something went terribly wrong. Medical professionals and Law Enforcement are still investigating Joan River’s death and if she had a history of any heart disease and exactly what took place in that procedure room on September 4th. Again, the death of Joan Rivers should certainly should bring additional awareness to everyone about heart issues and Sudden Cardiac Arrest and what it means to be prepared and aware.  

More about Sudden Cardiac Arrest from Living for Zachary

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) claims the lives of nearly 300,000 Americans each year – almost 1,000 lives per day. SCA does not discriminate – it can affect people of all ages, all races and genders, and even people in overall good health. Even active, healthy teenagers participating in everyday activities such as sports or dance or socializing.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest sounds scary because it IS scary. Between 5,000 and 7,000 youth in the United States die from SCA each year. Young athletes seem to be particularly at risk – every third day sees a young athlete competing in sports who suffers sudden cardiac arrest. These attacks happen suddenly and without warning, and many times no one knew the teen had a heart abnormality because SCA often shows no symptoms before claiming a life.

There are few ways to survive SCA, but cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) help increase the odds of survival. Sadly, 95 percent of SCA attacks are fatal because the victims are alone or the medical equipment and knowledge of CPR is not available. The Living for Zachary organization is dedicated to changing this statistic by encouraging the public to learn CPR and supporting the placement of AEDs in public places.

Like many health risks, prevention and early detection can be invaluable when it comes to saving lives. A simple heart screening such as the “Living for Zachary Heart Screening,” which helps determine a teen’s risk of sudden cardiac arrest or other cardiac event, could have helped save many young lives already taken by SCA.

The “Living for Zachary Heart Screening” is designed for youth ages 13-22, and it can help detect heart abnormalities that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and other heart conditions. This non-invasive screening package includes a blood pressure screening, electrocardiogram, and a 2D echocardiogram. For $100, parents and loved ones can have the peace of mind knowing that their teen’s heart is functioning properly. If abnormalities are discovered during the screening, teens are referred to a pediatric cardiologist to further explore the findings. To sign up for this potentially life-saving screening, call 1-800-4BAYLOR and ask for the “Living for Zachary Heart Screening.”

As a community, we need to know and address the fact that Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is real and happening every single day to our youth. Some are taking their last breaths on the basketball court, the football field, the dance floor and even at rest. Help the Living for Zachary organization spread the word about the dangers of SCA. Let your heart be HEARD by having your teen’s heart screened.

The Need to know CPR

We've seen it before, Michael "Squints" Palledorous (from the famous movie Sandlot") feigns trouble swimming when he is pulled from the public swimming pool and given CPR from the love of his life, Wendy Peffercorn. It's well-known that CPR is essential for lifeguards and for victims who are struggling with breathing properly; however, did you know that CPR can save the lives of victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and if you know CPR - you can possibly save a life?

There are more ways to learn CPR than having to attend a lifeguard training course. Many local recreation centers or community centers offer basic level CPR courses that will teach you how to respond quickly which uncertainty strikes. Emergency medical services can take up to 10 minutes to respond to a distress call, therefore making the first minutes after an attack essential in saving a life. CPR from a bystander can increase the chances of survival by nearly 30%!

Another helpful measure in saving lives is to have a basic understanding of how to use an AED, or an automated external defibrillator. When applied correctly, this machine can improve the odds of survival by an upwards of 50%. The instructions will be read aloud from an automated voice through the machine and the directions given clearly. When a bystander takes a stand and a course of action, many times it will save a life.

Learn more about how to apply for an AED by visiting www.Living4Zachary.org.

There is an APP for THAT!

In late 2013, a smartphone app was launched in a small city near Fargo, North Dakota, that might change the way dispatchers and bystanders can help those who fall to sudden cardiac arrest at a given moment’s notice.

The app is called PulsePoint, and is integrated with the dispatch center in Red River to help whomever with the app quickly respond with CPR techniques and to alert emergency personnel within a quarter-mile to respond immediately. The app also uses GPS-location services to show the app user the closest automated external defibrillator (or AED) to their location.

They’ve created what’s been needed for year, an app that recognizes the critical aspect of time for those who fall to sudden cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association, 88 percent of sudden cardiac arrest happens outside the hospital setting—meaning, in your home, workplace or with friends and family.

Visit the Apple Store or Google Play store to download the app and give it a shot for yourself.

Help Ricky Rubio Save a Life - with the Save a Life Simulator

We all think that we know what to do when someone collapses - question is... will you help and do you know what to do?

Did you know?

• A young athlete dies every 3 days from SCA
• Did you know that SCA is the leading cause of death in young atheles?
• Did you know that there is a Save A Life Simulator - which helps you with what to do if someone falls victim to SCA?
• Did you know that the average age of a young athlete that is stuck by SCA is 17 years old? 
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest is among the leading killers of Americans, striking an estimated 382,800 people in the US each year.¹
• Almost 80 percent of sudden cardiac arrest attacks happen outside the hospital, and less than 30 percent of victims receive bystander CPR.

 To view the full video - click here

(1) American Heart Association's 2012 Heart and Stroke Statistics (Circulation. Jan 3 2012;125(1):e2-e220)

A Word from the American Heart Association - Hands Only - Staying Alive

The American Heart Association is asking what if you say an individual collapse? What would you do? Would you be able to save that person's life?  How long does it take you to pour a cup of coffee, add your sugar and creamer? You could save a life in the same amount of time that you have your morning coffee.

CPR can double the chance of a person's survival and the new campaign for the American Heart Association is doing CPR to the old 80's hit "Stayin Alive".

1/ Call 911
2/ push hard and fast in the center of the person's chest until help arrives.

How hard can that be to save a life and even the life of a loved one.

Bottom line is - Hands-Only CPR Can Save Lives.

Can you save your Loved One's Life?

When cardiovascular emergencies strike, whether it is a coworker collapsing on the office floor or a family member at the dinner table, it can be a horrifying thing. So scary, in fact, that “70% of Americans say they feel helpless to react during cardiovascular emergencies” according to CPR statistics from Heart.org.

To break it down, the life you save with the CPR skill-set could be the life of a family member or friend. It is likely that CPR will save the life of someone you love.

CPR has a misunderstood need. Often times, people assume that CPR is only applicable around summer swimming pools and only to be administered by lifeguards and other professionals.

While it is true that CPR is a necessity for all lifeguards (for most it is a requirement), learning CPR is applicable far beyond the pool.

Four out of five cardiac emergencies happen at home. The scenes are often very similar: a family is gathered together over a meal when a family member collapses onto the floor or friends are exercising together when one gets dizzy and appears to have fainted.

What many don’t know is that both situations are alarming and underestimated. The lack of administered CPR can lead to an over 70% increase in the rate of fatalities among those who have fallen victim to heart complications.

What does this mean? If you don’t know CPR, it is likely that emergency services will not be able to respond quickly enough to save the life of one of your loved ones. Stay active and be prepared in all circumstances – learn CPR. 

Living for Zachary will be hosting a Free Heartsaver CPR AED Certification Class on June 1 9a-11:30am. This great Living for Zachary CPR event will be held at the YMCA at 3300 McDermott Rd Plano, TX 75025.  In celebration of CPR/AED Awareness Week { June 1-7 } Living for Zachary will be hosting a free Heartsaver CPR AED Certification Class lead by Save A Life.

Celebrate National CPR/AED Awareness Week, June 1-7

June 1st marked the beginning of National CPR/AED Awareness Week. This week, various websites and news media will be covering the basics of learning CPR and using an AED in case of cardiac emergencies.

Heartrescuenow.com presents a shocking video of a stranger collapsing in a mall from SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) in the midst of a crowded shopping mall and asks the question, "What Would You Do?" The video strikes an emotional chord once you see others walking around and staring at the victim, now lying facedown on the mall floor, because they are unaware of what action steps to take or simply because they don't understand the danger of the situation. And, possibly because they are fearful to try to save the man due to their lack of knowledge.



Heartrescuenow.com presents a interactive game that gives the viewer an opportunity for users to make decisions as if they were in a popular location and saw someone collapse. The choices range from "Call 911" in the beginning to "Locate AED" or "Begin CPR" once emergency services have been alerted. This would even be a great way to introduce children to what they should do if someone collapses.



Heartrescuenow.com makes a strong case that many people don't understand how to handle these dangerous, and sometimes fatal, situations. Their efforts to alert and educate their users will surely save lives in the future.

To celebrate National CPR/AED Awareness Week, educate yourself. Locate your local Red Cross or American Heart Association and inquire about learning CPR and how to use a AED. The life you save in that mall could be your own friend or family.

Who will be there if SCA strikes you or someone you love..?

Representative Lois Capps read and shared a very well written letter on Wednesday from a 12-year-old Sudden Cardiac Arrest survivor who fell to the ground on her way to PE class last month. Kylee Shea of Frisco, TX insists that a AED an automated external defibrillator saved her life.

"This can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time," Kylee Shea of Frisco, Texas, says in her letter to Representative Lois Capps.

On September 26, 2011 Kylee Shea collapsed in her Frisco school hallway and was revived by two teachers . Kristen Goodgion and Brent Reese. These two wonderful teachers immediately rushed to help Kylee - one performed CPR and the other teacher used the AED on her reviving her heart and bringing her back to life.

Had it not been for these two very well instructed teachers in Kylee's school and the use of a AED and knowing how to use it, Kylee might not be here today to talk about it.

Representative Capps spoke at a Sudden Cardiac Arrest event to continue efforts to put AED's in school and community areas to increase the survival rates if Sudden Cardiac Arrest strikes you or someone you know.

Want to know how you can help? Schedule a “Living for Zachary” screening for your child at THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano. This heart screening is non-invasive and pain free.

• Make sure your school or workplace has an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) and people are trained on how to use it.
• Make sure the locations of the AEDs are clearly marked with signs.
• Get certified in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
• Donate to the Living for Zachary organization.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Knowledge is POWER!

Did you know that Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) kills nearly 300,000 Americans each year? That's about 1,000 people per day. While the number is much lower for youth because of the rarity, it still afflicts people of all ages. It is of utmost importance to be aware of necessary actions. And just like  Frances Bacon quoted - "Knowledge is power"!  Knowing what to do, when to do it and DOING IT is the best way to act if SCA hits.

To know how to prevent a fatality caused by SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest), it is also important to know exactly what happens to the heart during the process. There is an electrical disruption in the heart's rhythm and the heart stops beating. Most cases of SCA strikes suddenly and without warning which causes victims to collapse and become unconscious.Without the proper reactions - many die.


In order for a victim to survive is through quick action with CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator. AED's should be available in public places and bystanders should always be prepared and know the correct way of performing CPR. It is becoming more common that schools are requiring coaches, teachers and athletic trainers be schooled and trained in CPR and AED use.

According to statistics between 5,000-7,000 youth in the United States die from SCA each year. And approximately one (1) youth aged athlete suffers from SCA every three days. Those who have been saved only survived because they were in a high school with an AED program and surrounded by those who knew how to take action.

Living for Zachary completely supports the efforts in installing AED's in schools nationwide and we hope and pray that you take the information and share it with others. For more information about AED programs you can visit www.suddencardiacarrest.org.

Honor your Father and learn CPR to save a life...

Sometimes the small,easy tasks are those that pay off the largest. In saying this- we want to remind everyone the importance of learning CPR, it is actually a gift to all to know it. It is super easy and quick and it's offered in so many places for you to keep putting it off. What a perfect way to to honor someone you love.

Heart disease is the number 1 killer in the United States and 80% of those who are struck with cardiac arrest will be in their home.. The American Heart Association calls CPR the "chain of survival." Because of the series of actions performed in sequence during CPR, it greatly increases the chance of survival for the patient.

Many schools from elementary age through high school are now requiring all students to learn and be certified in CPR. This may be the best way for your child to learn the techniques and get a hands on learning experience. For adults who may not have those resources, The American Red Cross offers classes at your nearest location and also has a printout on their website to remind you of what should be done. Another great place for learning CPR is your local hospital. Often, they will offer free classes and you will be able to train with a technician or nurse.

We want you to always be prepared in case of an emergency. Just knowing CPR techniques could help you save someone's life. If your Father is alive this Father's Day - honor him by learning CPR, if he is no longer with you - honor him more by wanting to save a life.

If you haven't had a certification or taken a class on CPR we're asking that you do! And if you're already certified, please keep it up to date and for all the Father's -  Living for Zachary would like to wish you a wonderful, happy and heart healthy Father's Day!

Celebrate the Hands of Time - 50 years of CPR - Learn it today!

Would you know what to do if someone around you went into cardiac arrest? It is likely most people would say "Sure! I would do CPR," but often there is a lot of misconception about performing CPR - this is a mistake that could cost a life.

Mouth-to-mouth is probably the first thing that pops in to mind when mentioning CPR. As strange as it seems to do mouth-to-mouth on a stranger, you may come upon a situation that requires you to perform this life saving action. However, you do need to know that when skipping mouth-to-mouth and immediately beginning chest compressions you will increase the victims chances of surviving by 25%.



CPR, or chest compressions, may also bring about a concern for the victim. Many times people worry about hurting the victim by breaking their ribs. This chance becomes more common as a person ages and becomes older and their bones are more brittle. But if a victim only has broken ribs in the end, it will be worth it! Broken ribs are nothing compared to living.

If a situation approaches and you are not able to get to the victim, you can still save try and save a life. Dial 911. By only dialing 911 the victim has a 1 in 20 chance of living with all functions intact. These functions are as life changing and often leave a person unable to do normal daily activities like walking, talking, and seeing.

It can also make a world of difference that someone has taken a CPR class and has become certified. To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of CPR, take a class and get smart about CPR and saving lives this holiday season.

The American Red Cross offers local classes to any individual interested in becoming CPR certified. Information about CPR Classes, visit the Red Cross Website or visit the American Heart Association website. It is so easy to find out where a CPR class is, just simply type in your area - it's that easy. Make a promise for 2011 that you will become CPR certified and help keep other's alive.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and New Year from all of us at
Living for Zachary!

One is lost and One is saved..

241,622..... that is a large number, a number that is bigger than some can imagine - that number is how many people have lost their lives to Sudden Cardiac Arrest - that is one loved one every two minutes - that will no longer be around. Sound sad, it is and especially when there is something that we can do about it and possibly save lives. Have your Heart Screened and help spread awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Screening.

Sixteen-year-old Kyle Biendara - Apollo High School in St. Paul, Minneapolis, normal day - normal kid. Kyle started not feeling well on his way home from school and within the hour had died. His last class of the day was PE/Physical Education. Another family mourns.

Quick thinking by a High School Basketball Coach gave Senior forward; Xavier Jones, 17, a reason to be thankful last week. Xavier collapsed during practice last week for a basketball championship in San Gabriel. One of the Coaches had just gone over CPR the night before and stepped in when Xavier collapsed. He was breathing again by the time that medical help arrived. Coincidence? Not a chance.

Have your heart screened and pay attention to the signs of SCA and know the risks:

• Previous Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) episode(s): A previous attack often predicts another occurrence.
• Heart failure (heart pumps poorly).
• Abnormal heart rhythms: If your ejection fraction is 40 percent or less, further testing is warranted to verify the risk associated with the rhythm disorder. If your heart arrhythmia comes and goes, there are special monitors you can wear or carry to record your heart's electrical activity.Previous history of heart disease or heart rhythm disorders.
• Family history of SCA .
• Unexplained fainting episodes.

If you would like to help spread the word of SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) please visit: Living4Zachary.org. Another 16 year old that tragically lost his life to SCA was Zachary Schrah however the world is becoming a better and safer place because of Living for Zachary and because of Zachary's memory.

Don't be a Bystander - be a Lifesaver

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation will celebrate the annual awards reception; "Won’t You Be My Neighbor?...Won’t You Learn How to Save a Life"? which will take place today October 7th, 5:30-7:30 PM, at the Rivers Club, One Oxford Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The event will celebrate the survivors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and the neighborly rescuers whose quick and courageous actions made the difference between life and death.

As a special bonus Mr. David Newell (Mr. McFeeley from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood) will make a guest appearance, and talk about the need for quick responses of CPR and every neighbor’s role in using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) when SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) occurs.

The moral of this story and event is know CPR and know how to respond if Sudden Cardiac Arrest should strike around you. Will you know what to do or how to respond if someone should collapse around you?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies. You can use CPR during a heart attack, near drowning or at a time that someone has stopped breathing or their heartbeat has ceased to beat. CPR involves two parts: chest compressions combined with mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing.

When performing CPR remember the ABC's:

• Airway: Clear the airway
• Breathing: Breathe for the person
• Circulation: Restore blood circulation with chest compressions

When learning CPR - make sure that you learn from a accredited organization like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association or find a CPR Trained Instructor in your area.
The Living for Zachary Foundation asks you to be a Lifesaver not a Bystander and make a difference in saving a life.

If you would like to be a part of making people aware of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in our young people; please attend one of our Living for Zachary's upcoming events or just DONATE to Living for Zachary; and be a good neighbor.