Date: September 25, 2001
To: The Board of Supervisors
Subject: Establishing a Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Program for the County of San Diego

Summary
On any given day, approximately 700 Americans suffer from what is known as "sudden cardiac arrest," which has a dismal 5 percent survival rate across the nation. For every passing minute, the odds of survival drop
10 percent and death is almost certain if the heart hasn't been restarted within 10 minutes. This is particularly critical to residents in rural communities who live a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes from the closest emergency room.

Today's item seeks to establish a Public Access Defibrillation program in San Diego by placing lifesaving "automated external defibrillators" (AEDs) in public facilities throughout the County, thus providing a
lifesaving shock to those in need.

Recommendations
Supervisor Dianne Jacob and Vice-Chair Ron Roberts
1) Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to explore collaborating with the "Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) Program" at the City of San Diego to distribute portable defibrillation devices throughout the
region in County facilities as well as libraries, parks, senior and community centers, campgrounds and other high traffic facilities.

2) Direct the CAO to pursue external funding for the purchase and training of portable defibrillation equipment and report back to the Board of Supervisors within 60 days with a draft implementation plan.

Fiscal Impact
Funds for this request are not needed at this time.

Background
On any given day, approximately 700 Americans suffer from what is known as "sudden cardiac arrest," which has dismal a 5 percent survival rate across the nation. For every passing minute, the odds of survival drop
10 percent and death is almost certain if the heart hasn't been restarted within 10 minutes. This is particularly critical to residents in rural communities who live a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes from the closest emergency room.

Today's action seeks to establish a Public Access Defibrillation program in San Diego County placing lifesaving "automated external defibrillators" (AEDs) in public facilities throughout the County. An AED is a simple device that can be used to help anyone suffering from a heart attack. Simple step-by-step verbal instructions describe necessary steps and will even prevent accidental shock if the victim is not in fact suffering from sudden cardiac arrest.

By placing AEDs in public facilities such as libraries, community and senior centers, parks and campgrounds victims of heart failure will have a greatly improved chance of survival due to quicker response times.

The City of San Diego has recently completed a "Request for Proposal" which resulted in a contract with Survivalink Corporation. Survivalink will provide the FirstSave AED product and the American Heart
Association will provide funding research, public education and training seminars. By partnering with the City of San Diego, the County can take advantage of costs savings from the consolidated effort and group purchases of the equipment, which can cost as much as $4,000 each.

Also, the City and County can work to develop a grant request to participate in the Community Access to Emergency Defibrillation Act of 2001, which is federal legislation that will provide $50 million to train, purchase AEDs and provide community education.

Nationwide, 250,000 Americans suffer from "sudden cardiac arrest" each year. A Public Access Defibrillation Program can help increase the number of survivors. We urge your support.

Respectfully submitted by,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District

RON ROBERTS
Vice-Chair