Dauphin County, PA Partners with Avive's 4 Minute Community™ Program
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, has embarked on a pioneering initiative aimed at revolutionizing cardiac emergency response through a partnership with Avive Solutions, Inc. This collaboration will see the deployment of over 300 Avive Connect AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) strategically placed in homes, businesses, and schools throughout the county. The program, known as the 4 Minute Community™, aims to equip citizens with the tools to save lives in cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a life-threatening emergency where the heart unexpectedly ceases to function normally, posing a significant risk to countless individuals each year. In the United States alone, more than 357,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually, with a staggering 90% resulting in death. Despite millions of AEDs being installed nationwide over the past two decades, survival rates remain disappointingly low. This highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to improve response times and enhance bystander intervention during these critical emergencies.
The 4 Minute Community™ Program aims to address these challenges by strategically placing 320 Avive Connect AEDs within the community. The goal is to ensure that lifesaving assistance can be administered within four minutes of a 911 dispatch, strengthening the Chain of Survival and significantly increasing the likelihood of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. Central to this program is the recruitment of community volunteers who will form the Cardiac Arrest Rapid Engagement (CARE) Team, prepared to respond swiftly during emergencies.
Understanding the 4 Minute Community™ Program
This innovative program works to eliminate the historical barriers that hinder survival rates during SCA events. By leveraging data on previous cardiac emergencies within specific areas, the program empowers trained CPR volunteers with Avive Connect AEDs. When a cardiac emergency is reported, the 911 telecommunicators can activate the nearby AEDs, alerting CARE Team members via a mapping system on their devices. Unlike traditional AEDs, the Avive Connect AED is integrated with 911 emergency services, ensuring rapid response and coordination during crises.
When dispatch is triggered, AEDs within a one-mile radius flash a red screen and emit an alarm, directing CARE Team members to the emergency scene. In addition, these AEDs provide step-by-step guidance for CPR and defibrillation, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the response team. This seamless coordination fosters a collective effort among community volunteers, next-generation AED technology, and emergency services, setting a new benchmark for responses to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Sameer Jarfi, CEO and Co-Founder of Avive Solutions, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with local organizations. He emphasized that this initiative is about empowering individuals within the community rather than focusing solely on geographical boundaries.
Julie Walker, president of The Peyton Walker Foundation, which has played a crucial role in this partnership, lamented her late daughter who succumbed to sudden cardiac arrest. Walker stated that the program symbolizes a significant step towards preventing tragedies that affect countless families.
Matthew Kratz, Operations Manager at the Emergency Health Services Federation, highlighted the potential impact of the program on survival rates during cardiac emergencies, underlining the importance of equipping bystanders with the right technology and information to respond effectively before emergency medical services arrive.
The Implementation in Dauphin County
As a certified 4 Minute Community, Dauphin County has integrated the Avive Connect AEDs within its Department of Public Safety. In cases where SCA or suspected SCA incidents are reported, telecommunicators will activate the nearby AEDs, prompting community members to respond swiftly. This initiative aims not only to enhance immediate medical responses but also to foster a culture of preparedness within the community.
By collaborating with the Peyton Walker Foundation, the Emergency Health Services Federation, and local responders, Dauphin County is taking definitive actions to reduce the time taken to deliver quality care to patients experiencing cardiac arrest. This groundbreaking program allows the community to come together, wrapping individuals in a supportive network capable of enhancing survival rates in potentially life-threatening situations.
For those interested in learning more about this impactful initiative or joining the cause, updates can be found at
avive.life/4minutepa.
About Avive Solutions, Inc.
Avive Solutions is dedicated to developing cutting-edge AED technology, ensuring that life-saving devices are accessible and effective during emergencies. Their mission centers on making sure effective AED responses are available throughout communities in need.
About The Peyton Walker Foundation
Established to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest, The Peyton Walker Foundation champions efforts to provide heart screenings, CPR, and AED training, fueled by the memory of Peyton Walker, who died tragically at age 19 due to SCA.