Community Collaboration: Saving Lives through Avive's 4 Minute Program in Forsyth County

On July 24, 2025, a remarkable event unfolded in Forsyth County, Georgia, when a community member experienced a life-threatening cardiac arrest. Thanks to the efforts of a trained citizen volunteer dispatched through the Forsyth 4 Minute Community™ Program, a life was saved, marking a significant milestone in local emergency response. The volunteer utilized an Avive Connect AED® to deliver a defibrillation shock, effectively resuscitating the victim and showcasing the impact of community involvement in emergency healthcare.

This event illustrates the vital role that community programs play in effective cardiac arrest response. Forsyth County has been at the forefront of implementing Avive's 4 Minute Community Program, a revolutionary initiative aimed at decreasing the time taken to respond to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) situations. By leveraging historical data on cardiac incidents and engaging local volunteers, the program seeks to bridge the critical gap between an emergency and the arrival of professional medical responders.

A Groundbreaking Initiative in Cardiac Care

The success of the July incident emphasizes the effectiveness of rapid intervention by citizens trained in CPR and AED usage. The goal of the 4 Minute Community Program is to ensure that qualified volunteers are equipped and ready to respond to emergencies within a one-mile radius. If a cardiac arrest is reported, 911 operators can quickly alert these volunteers, who are nearby and ready to assist with immediate medical care.

The Avive Connect AED used during this life-saving operation features REALConnect™ Software which allows for Intelligent Response technology. This advanced system alerts community volunteers while simultaneously instructing them on how to perform CPR and use the defibrillator effectively. By providing step-by-step guidance, the program ensures that responders are well-equipped to deliver life-saving care without delay.

“I am glad I was in the right place at the right time,” shares CK Villarouel, one of the Forsyth CARE Team members. “I was determined to make a difference, knowing that this could happen to anyone, including myself.” This sentiment embodies the spirit of the community initiative, where citizens take an active role in emergency preparedness and response.

The Power of Community Initiatives

In partnership with Avive Solutions, the Forsyth County Fire Department and Northside Hospital have spearheaded the 4 Minute Community Program, setting a national standard for community-based cardiac care. This initiative not only enhances local emergency response capabilities but also emphasizes the importance of training everyday citizens to act in moments of crisis.

Since its inception, the program has demonstrated success across various regions, with multiple lives saved thanks to the prompt reactions of trained volunteers. Every successful intervention reinforces the necessity for widespread access to AEDs and the training of civilian responders. As Lynn Jackson, CEO of Northside Hospital Forsyth, states, “The 4 Minute Community Program represents a new era in cardiac emergency response.”

Celebrating Heroism: Awards Ceremony to Honor Contributors

On November 14, 2025, a special awards ceremony was held at the Cumming Recreation Center to celebrate the courageous actions of the responders and to raise awareness about community access to AEDs. Local officials and program leaders highlighted the transformative impact of the 4 Minute Community initiative for enhancing survival rates from cardiac emergencies. Honorees included the survivor, the CARE team member who acted swiftly, and all healthcare professionals involved in the rescue efforts.

Sameer Jafri, CEO and Co-Founder of Avive Solutions, expressed, “We’re thrilled to celebrate this incredible outcome at the ceremony, showcasing what collaboration and community commitment can achieve.” The program serves not only as a local model but could potentially influence emergency response in other communities across the nation.

As communities across the country look to implement similar programs, Forsyth County stands as a beacon of innovation and dedication in emergency medical response, proving that with technological advancements and engaged citizens, lives can be saved. Avive Solutions, with its mission to democratize access to life-saving technology, continues to support these initiatives for a safer future. By making AEDs accessible and ensuring that citizens are equipped to use them, we can create a robust network of care that extends beyond traditional medical services.

About the Organizations Involved

Avive Solutions, Inc. is committed to making state-of-the-art AED technology accessible and effective during life-threatening cardiac events. In collaboration with local health systems like Northside Hospital and technology partners such as RapidSOS, they aim to enhance community preparedness for cardiac emergencies.

With more communities adopting the 4 Minute Community Program, the integration of smart AED technology and trained citizen responders is poised to revolutionize emergency care, creating an urgent care ecosystem that effectively addresses cardiac emergencies and aims to save even more lives.