• 26-AUG-2014

Teen 911

Dear PSA Director,

Cardiac arrest– an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs - is a leading cause of death. Each year, over 420,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States. When a person has a cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. Every second counts. If you see a person collapsed or struggling to breathe, call 9-1-1 immediately. When in doubt, dial it out. Call 9-1-1.

Emergencies can happen at any time – to anyone. Calling 9-1-1 is the first step of the Chain of Survival, and it's an important one. A strong Chain of Survival can improve chances of survival and recovery for victims of cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke and other emergencies. According to the American Heart Association, 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival. So again, don't delay — get help right away! 9-1-1 will help you determine what to do next.

This PSA from the American Heart Association urges people to call 9-1-1 immediately to get help. Seconds count, so dial it out.

Many of your viewers are among the hundreds of millions of Americans who will need emergency care. We ask you to join us in airing these PSA spots whenever you have time available.

Thank you for your consideration,

The American Heart Association

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