Revive & Survive San Diego Event Marks Half a Million People Trained in CPR

“This achievement reflects the promise of public health for uniting communities, saving lives, and building a culture of preparedness. Reaching the halfway point in our goal to train 1 million people demonstrates our shared commitment to prevention and emergency readiness,” said Cheryl A.M. Anderson, Ph.D., M.P.H., UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science dean and co-lead of Revive & Survive San Diego.

“Every person trained is a potential lifesaver, and together, we are creating a safer, more responsive region. Let's carry this momentum forward with urgency, compassion and a continued focus on training 1 million lifesavers.”

Gideon Wiseman was 48 years old when he experienced sudden cardiac arrest while watching television with his wife and young son sitting next to him on the couch. His wife immediately called 911 and began CPR.

“My heart was stopped for over half an hour. But because of the CPR she gave me, and then the paramedics from Encinitas Fire Station 1, my brain stayed alive. Without that, even if I had survived physically, I wouldn’t have had brain function,” said Wiseman. “Learn how to do CPR—fast.”

Breathing New Life Into CPR

By training beachgoers on Wednesday, representatives from AMR San Diego, Carlsbad Fire Department, San Dieguito EMS District, Encinitas Fire Department, San Diego County Fire, Solana Beach Marine Safety, and UC San Diego demonstrated how quick and easy it is to learn hands-only CPR.

In recent years, CPR training has evolved into a hands-only technique proven to be just as effective as giving breaths with compressions. The rescuer needs only perform two easy steps. First, call 911. Second, perform compressions hard and fast at 100 to 120 beats per minute on a bare chest.

By following these simple steps, a bystander can make the difference between life and death for a person whose heart has stopped. Waiting for help to arrive may make it too late to revive the victim. In fact, every minute without CPR decreases a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival by 7 to 10 percent.

Globally, cardiac arrest claims more lives than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, pneumonia, auto collisions, HIV, firearms and house fires combined, according to the American Heart Association.

Revive & Survive San Diego is a bold reminder that anyone can learn the skills to make a lifesaving difference at home, at work or even at the beach.

“If someone’s heart stops, brain death occurs in as little as four to six minutes without CPR. The first few minutes are critical — and there’s usually no doctor nearby. That’s why it’s so important for everyone possible to know CPR,” said Kristi Koenig, M.D., County of San Diego Emergency Medical Services medical director and co-lead of the Revive & Survive San Diego initiative.

“Revive & Survive San Diego teaches easy, lifesaving CPR so you can help a friend, neighbor, or loved one right away. Emergency crews may be miles away, but doing CPR until they arrive can double a person’s chances of surviving.”

For CPR training events or to become a community partner, visit revivesurvive.ucsd.edu.