Issa Introduces Resolution on Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day

Press Release

Issa Introduces Resolution on Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day

Washington, DC - Rep. Darrell Issa, today, announced the introduction of H.Res. 648, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day. The state of California proclaimed September 12 as Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day on September 12, 2006.

"Awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and ensuring defibrillators are available in schools and other public buildings can save lives. Raising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest is a task worthy of Congress' attention," said Rep. Issa in a statement for the Congressional Record.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, causing blood to stop flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA usually causes death if not treated in minutes.

Annually, 250,000 to 450,000 Americans have sudden cardiac arrest, and ninety-five percent of these people die within minutes. Rapid treatment of SCA with a defibrillator, a device that sends an electrical shock to the heart, can be lifesaving.

The indroduction of H.Res. 648 was inspired by the life of Travis Roy and the work his family has undertaken since his death. On May 20, 2005, 14 year-old Travis Roy was at school in Murrieta, California, when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest. His school, like most schools, did not have a defibrillator and, tragically, Travis died because treatment could not be administered fast enough.

Since Travis' death, his family has campaigned to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and to get defibrillators placed in schools. To date, several schools in the southern California area have implemented defibrillator programs, including the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, Temecula Valley Unified School District, San Jacinto Unified School District and Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.

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