Community Outreach
About Comunity Outreach
Imagine what would happen if a loved one, co-worker, or neighbor suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. Would you know what to do in those first critical minutes before Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived?
It is our goal at the Emergency Resuscitation Center to educate the community about cardiac arrest and how to recognize and react to a life threatening emergency. With training, lay people can learn how to begin the chain of survival.
Course Offerings
We offer courses designed to provide instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and in the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in an effort to improve survival rates of victims of cardiac arrest.
We also provide Public Access Defibrillation Programs where we help sites purchase, set up, and train staff to use AEDs.
What causes Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart begins to quiver uncontrollably and can no longer pump blood. A person suddenly collapses, becomes unresponsive, and stops breathing. Unless a normal heartbeat can be restored within the first five minutes, the person will likely die.
Who is most likely to suffer Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest has no age limit and can strike anyone, anywhere, and at anytime, usually without warning.
How can CPR help?
CPR buys a person time by providing chest compressions and rescue breathing. This keeps oxygen rich blood flowing to the heart, lungs, and brain, preventing brain death.
What is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?
An AED is a small portable device that can deliver an electric shock to the heart that can stop the chaotic rhythm present in sudden cardiac arrest.
The device uses verbal instructions to assist the user. Electrode pads are placed on the victim’s bare chest and if a shock is indicated, you are instructed to push the button and deliver a shock. Hopefully, this restores normal heart function.
Who should have a defibrillator?
- Businesses
- Gyms
- Schools
- Airports
- Airlines
- Hotels
- High-rise apartment buildings
- Restaurants
- Organizations
- or any other places of public assembly would benefit from an AED.
What roles does the University of Chicago Emergency Resuscitation Center perform as a coordinator of AED programs?
- Provides authorization for the purchase of a defibrillator
- Provides medical oversight required by the State of Illinois Department of Publish Health (IDPH)
- Provides site analysis of AED placement
- Provide sites with list of all AED manufacturers for purchase
- Develops and/or approves protocols for use of the AED
- Acts as a liaison between the site and local EMS
- Approves and provides recognized training programs and ensures that rescuers are properly trained
- Sets up and executes training with site
- Reviews all incidents involving use of defibrillator
- Assures program quality is maintained
- Fills out and sends all required paperwork post-event to resource hospital
If you have additional questions or are interested in learning how to set-up an ERC training session, please contact Ellen Demertsidis at 773-427-9384 or EllenMD3@aol.com.