Agenda
This year’s Summit has more than 200+ presenters and 100+ presentations, including 14 in-depth pre-conference workshops, 10 plenary sessions and scores of concurrent sessions across 7 tracks. Browse the agenda by track or date and take a moment to look over our exhibitors and sponsors highlighted at this year’s Summit.
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Tuesday, December 2
Pre-conference workshops are in-depth interactive examinations of specific topics. They are not included in general registration. They must be reserved and paid for separately when registering. Register early to receive $25 off each workshop you reserve.
Pre-Conference Workshop
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Missing Code to Stop the Surgical Bleed: Implementing the Code Surgical Emergency Team (SET)
- Lisa Baker, Med, BSN - Director, Resuscitation Education and Outreach at VHA SimLEARN
- Jessica Feinleib, MD, PhD, FASA, CHSA
- Makayla Wilkes, RN – Health Education Specialist
- Victoria Marrs, RN – Chief Nurse, Surgery
- Iris Appenrodt, RN – National Clinical Faculty
- Amanda Borchers, RN – Patient Safety Manager
- Shawn Braddock – Curriculum Developer
Patients undergoing surgical procedures have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, compared to their risk prior to surgery. This is mostly due to the risk of hemorrhage or hematoma compression of vital organs, often with a one-hour window of opportunity to rescue them from a fatality. The response to these situations is fragmented by the complexity inherent in delivering surgical care, including four major barriers such as early recognition, access to emergency blood products, organization of surgical, anesthesia, nursing and ancillary medical staff, as well as adherence to a myriad of national surgical directives regulating care delivery in the operative setting.
The vast majority of health care systems do not currently have a code in place to address this critical gap in Crisis Resource Management, leading to delays in care and poor outcomes. The team at Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment and Research Network (SimLEARN) developed the innovative SET code response to provide a hospital wide activation of the required personnel and services designed to rescue critically unstable surgical patients. Though deployment is limited, they are already reporting positive results.
Key takeaways:
- Clear understanding of the Code SET framework and activation process
- Best practices for interdisciplinary communication and team roles during surgical emergencies
- Best practices for interdisciplinary communication and team roles during surgical emergencies
- Hands on experience with rapid decision-making and crisis leadership under pressure
- Tools to evaluate and improve facility readiness and post event debriefing practices
- Strategies to implement Code SET
- Finalized cognitive aids
Your speakers are acclaimed experts who will guide, engage and inspire. They are a part of the Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment and Research Network (SimLearn) that provides an ever-growing body of curricula and tools that improve overall Veteran well-being through simulation-based innovation and technologies provided in a safe learning environment
Pre-Conference Workshop
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CardiacSTAR: Novel, Immersive, Story-Driven CPR Training That Sticks
- Lorrel Brown Toft, M.D
- David Knechtel, COO of cardiacSTAR
- Britney Guillermo Research assistant/coordinator at UNR
But despite all these efforts, there are still too many arrests that don’t get CPR. Too many potentially preventable deaths. So what else can we do?
That’s exactly why we created cardiacSTAR - a revolutionary CPR training game designed to empower lay rescuers with mechanical AND emotional skills so they are ready to act the second they witness a cardiac arrest. It was born out of 10 years of research by Dr. Lorrel Toft (cardiac critical care) in collaboration with Emmy award-winning film director Martin Percy. cardiacSTAR harnesses the power of dramatic, realistic interactive film, team-based gameplay, and hands-only CPR practice. cardiacSTAR puts learners into the role of a lay rescuer, responding to a cardiac arrest in real-time. Teams must answer questions to determine how the heroes will react, and practice CPR and using an AED along with the heroes of the film.
Think CPR training meets “Family Feud.” It’s fun, engaging, immersive, and builds confidence so lay rescuers are ready to save lives. cardiacSTAR is CPR training – evolved. It allows more bystanders to learn CPR in less time, it requires less equipment, and the learning is measurably more effective.
If you want to experience the cardiacSTAR training experience, unavailable anywhere else, spend this half-day workshop with us. You will learn the depth of research, learning theory, and best story-telling practices that went into creating this state-of-the-art, AI-powered, web-based training. You’ll be immersed in a training yourself, witnessing first-hand the power of “just enough stress and realistic film to immerse you in the world of a cardiac arrest response. Once you experience the difference for yourself, you’ll want to use cardiacSTAR to empower all your learners to be ready to ACT – FAST.
Pre-Conference Workshop
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Keeping It Real: A True and Genuine Approach to Community Education
- Josh Smith Fire Captain/Paramedic - Richland Fire & Emergency Services
Attendees will learn practical strategies to craft engaging, accessible, and memorable presentations that empower their communities to respond confidently to cardiac emergencies. We’ll discuss the importance of authenticity, storytelling, and adaptability in education, ensuring that every session is not only informative but also inspiring.
Key takeaways for the participants include:
- Attendees will leave with a base knowledge of how to use a CPR framework as a path to transform culture, leadership, organizational value, and community engagement.
- Introduce pathways to develop a responsive and adaptive workforce based on the principles of high-performance organizations and a community-focused culture.
- How a diverse, multigenerational workforce becomes an organizational asset when living a community-focused culture.
- How developing a community-focused culture can grow a flagship brand, political equity, community partners, and industry influence.
In this workshop, we will demonstrate how to create a sustainable initiative that creates genuine value where lives are saved, not because of the outcomes we have listed on a piece of paper, but because we as leaders, understand how to communicate the value of a healthier, resilient, and vibrant community that is created because of HEARTSafe initiatives and others like it.
Pre-Conference Workshop
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
When Baking Resuscitation into Hospital Design, Simulation is the Secret Ingredient
- Devin Harrison, PMP, COR III
- Julie Lee - System Hospital Activation Nurse, Assessment Collaboration and Outreach
- Sherri Boisvert - Clinical Lead SbHDT, Assessment Collaboration and Outreach
- Vanessa Aycock - Nurse Simulation Educator, Assessment Collaboration and Outreach
- Darien Joseph – Education Technician, Assessment Collaboration and Outreach
- Lisa Baker - Director, Resuscitation Education (REdI) and Outreach
- Tracey E. Robilotto - Associate Director Resuscitation Education and Innovation (REdI) Program
- Debra A. Mosley, Health Education Specialist (HES), Resuscitation Education and Innovation (REdI)
- Gail Lites, BSN, RN, Health Education Specialist, Resuscitation Education and Innovation (REdI)
The focus will be on creating an environment that supports advanced resuscitation techniques, system probing, continuous learning and quality improvement. This will include a general introduction to system testing using our designed playbook for pre-hospital design and activation of a newly constructed space. During this time, we will review common themes and vulnerabilities identified throughout our experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding of simulation in design as a core component of clinical space design, not just as an afterthought.
- Advanced resuscitation techniques:
- Gain insights into designing spaces that support cutting-edge resuscitation practices.
- The need for emergency response is often overlooked in healthcare design, ensures adequate space for patient/care access and equipment.
- Continuous learning and quality Improvement:
- Understand strategies to foster an environment of ongoing education and quality enhancement.
- Process embodies the High Reliability Organization (HRO) Principles and supports the journey to HRO.
- Pre-Hospital design playbook--Get acquainted with a specialized playbook designed for testing and activating newly constructed spaces in a systematic manner.
- Identification of common themes and vulnerabilities--Learn from shared experiences about common issues and pitfalls in hospital design and how to address them effectively.
This workshop provides a unique perspective on how the design and workflow within a healthcare space can impact the effectiveness of rescue/resuscitation efforts in a healthcare setting.
- The design of healthcare spaces can significantly influence the delivery of life-saving patient care during emergency situations. Properly designed environments can enhance efficiency and response times, ultimately saving lives.
- Bridging the knowledge and understanding gap between non-clinical designers and clinical end-users is crucial. This collaboration ensures that healthcare spaces are not only safe but also effective and efficient for emergency care delivery, facilitating better outcomes for patients.
- Developing and implementing process-oriented simulations throughout different construction phases is essential. These simulations help identify latent safety threats, workflow inefficiencies, and optimal equipment placement, which are critical for preventing delays and ensuring prompt life-saving interventions.
- Proactively identifying and engaging key stakeholders throughout the construction phases is vital to effective planning of healthcare spaces. Through collaborative efforts and the use of process-oriented simulation scenarios, we can meticulously evaluate and refine designs, ensuring optimal functionality and safety for patient care.
- Participants will gain invaluable skills by learning, developing, and implementing hands-on simulations to evaluate healthcare space designs, ensuring they are optimized for the most effective emergency care delivery.
Pre-Conference Workshop
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The First 600 Seconds: A Four-Phase Approach to Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- A.J. Fandrich - Firefighter/Paramedic with Richland Fire & Emergency Services
Participants will leave this workshop with:
- A breakdown of each of the four phases: role assignments, benchmarks, and timing strategies
- Scene choreography tools for crews to improve execution in both training and in the field
- Sample training templates, drill outlines and CQI forms
- Guidance on how to adapt this model for any agency size, from small rural departments to large metro systems
- A blueprint for building a response plan specific to your agency and a training program — and how to go from simulation to an actual call
Wednesday, December 3
Pre-conference workshops are in-depth interactive examinations of specific topics. They are not included in general registration. They must be reserved and paid for separately when registering. Register early to receive $25 off each workshop you reserve.
Pre-Conference Workshop
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
From Science to Survival: Developing a Plan to Save Lives
- David Hiltz and the HEARTSafe Community Advisory Committee
- Robert B Dunne, MD, FACEP
- Susan B. Davis, DNP, MSN, RN, EMT-P
- Jim Suozzi, D.O. NRP, FACEP,
- Brandono Oto, PA-C, FCCM
- Richard Shok, RN, NRP, EMS-I
Together, we will highlight the importance of creating a local cardiac arrest quality improvement collaborative and introduce an adaptable implementation model aimed at improving outcomes. Key takeaways include:
- Understand how to translate national cardiac arrest recommendations (e.g., Institute of Medicine) into local, actionable strategies.
- Learn the principles of planning, strategy, and tactics for building a community-based Quality Improvement (QI) model.
- Explore evidence-based process measures that can improve preparedness, recognition, response, treatment, and survival outcomes.
- Gain insights into best practices and implementation priorities from real-world examples and current programs.
- Engage in collaborative discussions that foster local leadership, inter-agency cooperation, and long-term QI sustainability.
- Leave with a clear framework for developing or enhancing a local cardiac arrest QI collaborative
Pre-Conference Workshop
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Elevating Pediatric Resuscitation: Rapid Response Strategies for EMS and ED
- John Erbayri – Manager for the Center for Life Support Education & Outreach at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Theresa Walls, MD, MPH – Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician, Associate Professor
- Shannon Wolf, MSN, RN, CPEN, NPD-BC, NREMT – Nursing Professional Development Specialist
- Ian Stoddart, BS, EMT-P – Senior Life Support Educator
- James Randolph III, BS, NRP – Senior Life Support Educator
- Kyle Rice, NRP – Life Support Educator
- Karen O’Connell, MD, MEd – Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician, Professor
This training is especially relevant now, given national momentum around pediatric emergency readiness and updated AHA resuscitation guidelines.
In the critical moments of pediatric emergencies, EMS providers and community Emergency Department (ED) teams must work seamlessly to deliver life-saving care. This interactive and fast-paced session is designed to enhance the ability of frontline providers to rapidly recognize and respond to pediatric patients in crisis.
Through compelling case studies, hands-on simulations, and the latest evidence-based protocols, participants will:
- Learn and apply a novel approach to high-quality pediatric CPR that increases chest compression fraction (CCF) and enhances resuscitation effectiveness.
- Identify key warning signs and critical indicators of pediatric emergencies—including respiratory distress, cardiac arrhythmias, shock, and cardiac arrest—to enable timely intervention.
- Apply evidence-based strategies for managing pediatric emergencies, including CPR optimization, pharmacologic interventions, and rapid fluid resuscitation.
- Practice team-based response through simulation and skill stations focused on airway, fluid resuscitation, and high-performance CPR.
Pre-Conference Workshop
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
American Heart Association BLS & Heartsaver: Review and Discuss the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC
- Ian Drennan, ACP, PhD
- Mark Terry, MPA, NRP
They will also break down the "what"—the specific modifications in teaching methodologies, skill assessments, and integration into clinical practice. Attendees will gain insight into how these updates enhance patient outcomes, improve provider competency, and align with evolving standards in emergency care. Whether you're an educator, clinician, or administrator, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on the future of CPR instruction and clinical readiness.
This will be a panel discussion covering the top changes for adult, pediatric and neonatal:
- What are the most significant changes and why?
- What didn’t change and why?
- Where can new technology improve our practices?
- What are the most promising interventions that need more study?
- What does this mean for both educating and training lay people as well as medical practitioners?
Pre-Conference Workshop
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
American Heart Association ACLS: Review and Discuss the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC
- Michael Kurz, MD, MS, FACEP, FAEMS, FAHA
- Kenny Navarro, MEd, LP
They will also break down the "what"—the specific modifications in teaching methodologies, skill assessments, and integration into clinical practice. Attendees will gain insight into how these updates enhance patient outcomes, improve provider competency, and align with evolving standards in emergency care. Whether you're an educator, clinician, or administrator, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on the future of CPR instruction and clinical readiness.
Note: This will be a panel discussion covering the top changes for adult, pediatric and neonatal:
- What are the most significant changes and why?
- What didn’t change and why?
- Where can new technology improve our practices?
- What are the most promising interventions that need more study?
- What does this mean for both educating and training lay people as well as medical practitioners?
Pre-Conference Workshop
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Putting the “P” Back in CPR! How a High Performance Ventilation Course can Improve Outcomes
- Bob Page M.Ed., NRP, CCP, NCEE, CHSE, CHSOS
Despite this, recent studies consistently highlight the inadequate training of rescuers. Many patients are either hypo or hyper-ventilated, significantly reducing their chances of survival. Even more concerning, instructors often struggle to accurately evaluate the participants in their courses. This inability to provide proper assessments hinders the overall effectiveness of the training, leading to gaps in knowledge and skills that can have serious consequences in real-world scenarios.
Given these findings, it is crucial for rescuers to learn High-Performance Ventilation (HPV). Proper training helps rescuers deliver the right tidal volumes and ventilation rates, directly impacting patient outcomes. By improving both the training and evaluation processes, we can ensure that rescuers are well-prepared and capable of delivering High-Performance Ventilation, ultimately saving more lives and improving neurological outcomes for patients.
To address the critical need for improved training in manual ventilation, we offer an eye-opening, hands-on workshop led by Bob Page and his team of renowned speakers. In this course, you’ll learn how to ventilate patients using BVMs, masks, ET tubes, and supraglottic airways, all while utilizing state-of-the-art feedback devices that measure volumes and ventilatory rates. This innovative feedback and coaching system will provide you with valuable insights and skills to enhance your ventilation abilities.
Our course introduces the concept of High-Performance Ventilation, featuring the latest tools and techniques. Designed in an arena format, the class provides ample time for hands-on practice, ensuring you gain practical experience. Please note, this is not an airway class, but a specialized ventilation class that focuses on using advanced ventilation equipment and feedback devices. Discover the pillars of HPV and significantly improve patient outcomes through this comprehensive training.
Participants will receive:
- Full understanding of the mechanics of breathing and gas exchange.
- Renewed confidence in their abilities, ventilating a patient with a bag valve mask device.
- Objective measured feedback of their ability to properly ventilate a patient with a bag valve mass device.
Pre-Conference Workshop
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Creating a Plan to Protect Students: Implementing the Project Adam Heart Safe School Initiative
- Jaclyn Reider – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Richard Lamphier - National Project ADAM Program Council
- Charles Wooley - Program Coordinator
On any given day, as many as 20 percent of the entire United States population is in a school. Research has shown that early access to CPR and defibrillation with an AED can improve outcomes and chances of survival. Protecting children and adults in schools is an important public health and safety measure.
Project ADAM (Automated Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory) is a national organization that provides no-cost support to schools establishing Secondary Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) programs. Our session will share pertinent evidence-based guidelines on cardiac emergency preparedness in schools and community-based resources to support the goal of schools that are prepared for a sudden cardiac arrest emergency.
You’ll leave this session with a concrete plan to build, implement, and sustain, a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) in a school
Pre-Conference Workshop
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Designing a Countywide AED Ecosystem: A Blueprint for Public Safety Leaders
- Stephen J. Kennedy, MPA, MS, ENP, EFO
Build a community where AEDs are visible, accessible, and activated within seconds by trained responders—guided directly through your 911 system.
Learn how Sumter County, FL, created a fully integrated AED ecosystem that connects emergency communications, responder networks, and data-driven public access strategies. By coordinating emergency medical dispatch software, CAD-integrated mobile alerting, and an in-progress drone delivery program launched directly from the PSAP, the county is redefining what it means to respond quickly and effectively to sudden cardiac arrest.
Participants will explore the intersection of public-private partnerships, 911 operations, and real-time technology platforms like PulsePoint and the AED Registry. You’ll learn how Sumter County increased AED registrations by 47%, CPR-Needed PulsePoint subscribers by 69%, and responder turnout in private communities by 30.6%—all while building policy and funding support through the County Commission. What makes this model replicable is its focus on system alignment—from GIS and registry mapping to community outreach and governance. The workshop breaks down practical tools for integrating AEDs across jurisdictions, including training workflows, engagement strategies for private communities, and templates for agency coordination.
Participants will leave with:
- A replicable framework for building a countywide AED ecosystem, grounded in real-world implementation
- Practical strategies for integrating 911 operations with AED registries, mobile alert platforms, and community responders.
- Policy templates, workflow models, and governance structures that support sustainable AED programs
- Insights on how to engage private communities and increase responder turnout where access is historically limited.
- Actionable examples of data-driven advocacy that align emergency response with public health and county-level funding priorities
- Lessons learned from interagency coordination, GIS integration, and public-private partnerships
- An early look at how emerging tools, such as dispatch-initiated drone delivery, can redefine first response timelines.
Pre-Conference Workshop
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
American Heart Association PALS: Review and Discuss the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR & ECC
- Alexis Topjian, MD, MSCE, FAHA
- Mary McBride, MD, MEd
Participants will gain valuable insights as AHA experts discuss the most significant changes in PALS protocols. The session will explore the science behind essential pediatric resuscitation interventions, including airway management, advanced cardiovascular care, and managing acute respiratory distress in children, with a focus on improving outcomes for patients during emergencies such as cardiac arrest, severe trauma, and respiratory failure.
This session will explore the new AHA 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC and their impact on clinical orientation/practice and CPR training. In these sessions we'll examine the driving forces behind these changes in the PALS protocols and their practical implications for healthcare professionals. Experts will discuss the "why"—the research, guidelines, and real-world experiences that have shaped new approaches to CPR education. They will also break down the "what"—the specific modifications in teaching methodologies, skill assessments, and integration into clinical practice.
Attendees will gain insight into how these updates enhance patient outcomes, improve provider competency, and align with evolving standards in emergency care. Whether you're an educator, clinician, or administrator, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on the future of CPR instruction and clinical readiness.
This will be a panel discussion covering the top changes for adult, pediatric and neonatal:
- What are the most significant changes and why?
- What didn’t change and why?
- Where can new technology improve our practices?
- What are the most promising interventions that need more study?
- What does this mean for both educating and training lay people as well as medical practitioners?
General Session
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Opening Ceremonies and Welcome
General Session
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Phoenix Rising! Visions from the Past and for the Future
- Ed Racht, MD
- Vinay Nadkarni, MD, MS
Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, Ed and Vinay will highlight the evolution of great breakthroughs and lessons learned from innovations proposed and discussed at 45 years of Citizen CPR conferences. They will highlight the "behind the scenes" stories that bring these extraordinary innovative leaps to life: AEDs and public access defibrillation, hands-only CPR, telecommunicator CPR, mechanical CPR, therapeutic hypothermia, E-CPR, low-dose/high frequency CPR training, TV media messaging, NFL/FIFA mass CPR training, and "Stayin' Alive" pop-music CPR training.
They will also reflect on why some great ideas and concepts have failed to "catch on" or "stick": minimally invasive device-CPR, mast-trouser/aortic occlusion CPR, Abdominal compression CPR, Credit Card CPR feedback devices and mitochondrial cocktails.
Since 1980, quantum leaps and incremental improvements in the process and outcomes of CPR have evolved. Will drone-delivered AEDs be a common occurrence? Come join us to discuss and speculate on what the "next generation" will bring.
CASSummit Event
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Summit Opening Reception in the Exhibit Hall
Thursday, December 4
CASSummit Event
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Champions
- Co-Survivor Experience: Wellness & Resiliency: Improving Self-Care with Thomas Greenhalgh
- EMS Systems of Care: The ACR Trifecta: Optimizing Patient, Community, and System Response to Cardiac Arrest" with Billy Croft and Preparing to meet the AHA 2030 challenge: the Los Angeles experience with Stephen Sanko
- Future of CPR Training: The Politics of CPR Training – Barriers, Mandates, and the Future of Resuscitation Education with Richard Shok
- In-Hospital: Beyond the Card: The Curse of Caring in CPR Education with Kori Burz and Call a Code! How to Breathe Life Back in to your Resuscitation Training with Jennifer Salvin
- Resuscitation Leadership: Living Your Potential: The Next Generation of Resuscitation Leadership with James Hempstead
- Emergency Response in Schools: Implementing A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in a Large Public School District with Richard Lamphier and Empowering K-12 Students to Save Precious Lives with Alan Himelfarb
- Survivor Advocacy: Cardiac Arrest Survivor Alliance™: A Growing Community with Mary Newman and A Quarter Century in the Battle Against Sudden Cardiac Death: Progress, Pitfalls, and Future Prospects with Gina Peattie
- Training Innovation 1: CPR Training - Outside the Box with Jim Bollenbacher and Using CPR To Teach CPR with Sylvia Owusu-Ansah
- Training Innovation 2: Can CPR be taught and learned with many low cost and DIY a laypeople? With Santiago Martínez-isasi and Saving Lives Shouldn’t Get Lost in Translation: Hands Only CPR for everyone with Lyrissa Leininger
General Session
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM
Welcome & Introductory Remarks
General Session
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM
Hans Dahll Lecture: Laurie Morrison, MD
- Dr. Laurie J. Morrison - Professor, Emergency Medicine Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto Emergency Services, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center
The Hans H. Dahll Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC). Established in 1988 in honor of Hans H. Dahll, a founding director of the Citizen CPR Foundation, this prestigious award celebrates individuals who have made significant impacts in research, education and innovation.
This year’s winner is Laurie Morrison, MD. She is an international leader in resuscitation, with many substantive contributions to advance CPR and ECC. Dr. Morrison’s resuscitation leadership began as a pioneering woman Director of Emergency Medicine at the University of Toronto (1992-2006) and accelerated markedly over three decades resulting in a global reputation for strong research and leadership in the field. She was the first Canadian woman in Emergency Medicine with an endowed chair in research.
In the spirit of the award we will celebrate a legacy of success in pushing the survival envelope after cardiac arrest and identify current gaps in knowledge that have the potential to save even more lives and transform quality of life.
General Session
9:00 AM – 10:05 AM
The 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC: What Changes, What Stays the Same – and Why? Learn from the Experts
- Michael Kurz, MD, MS, FACEP, FAEMS, FAHA
- Alexis Topjian, MD, MSCE, FAHA
- Ian Drennan, ACP, PhD
- Mary McBride, MD, MEd
- Comilla Sasson, MD, PHD
SCA in Youth & Athletes
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
Where is the Science? Progress and Remaining Pitfalls
- Jonathan Drezner, MD – Seattle Seahawks Team Physician National Football League
- Stuart Berger, MD – Chief of Cardiology Department of Pediatrics Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Woods Curry, MD – Associate Professor of Clinical University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Darryl Conway – Senior Associate AD and Chief Health & Welfare Office University of Michigan Athletics
- Maryam Naim, MD, MSCE – Associate Chief of Research Division of Cardiac Critical Care Medicine Children’s Hospital Philadelphia
- Erin Shore,
- Stephanie Felgoise, PHD, ABPP - Chief of Team-Based Care and Director of Interprofessional Education Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Session one will cover the science around sudden cardiac death in the young. It will review lessons learned from previous SCA incidents and will identify remaining barriers and pitfalls that are still needing to be conquered to achieve better outcomes and success.
- 10:35 AM - 10:55 AM Opening: SCA in the young: 2-decades in review (Jonathan Drezner and Stuart Berger)
- 10:55 AM - 11:10 AM Lessons learned from the Damar Hamlin incident (Woods Curry)
- 11:10 AM - 11:25 AM Comprehensive emergency preparedness for SCA in the collegiate setting (Darryl Conway)
911, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
What Every EMS Provider and Leader Needs to Know About the New Guidelines
- Mark Terry, MPA, NRP
- Kenny Navarro, MEd, LP
Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
Learn From the Leaders: New Science Guidelines for "In-Hospital Implementation
- Michael Kurz, MD, MS, FACEP, FAEMS, FAHA
- Alexis Topjian, MD, MSCE, FAHA
Community Strategies & Survivorship
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
Voices of the Community: Insights from Survivors, Allies and Advocates
- Gina Peattie
A Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor & Co-Survivor Paying Forward Journey
- Dr. Joe Farrell – Chair, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
- Edie Farrell – Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
Learn how the presenters networked within their community to become involved with the local HEARTSafe Committee (HSC) which over a 10-year period trained over 40,000 citizens in “Hands only CPR” in the San Ramon Valley of N. California and placed over 75 AEDs in local schools. They also became AHA BLS CPR instructors and how the many presentations at local business, charities, clubs, fairs, and festivals were instrumental in changing the culture in their community to save SCA victims’ lives, by influencing citizens to act in an emergency. Additionally, they developed along with their HSC colleagues, a 7th CPR/AED training program that trained 3,000 seventh graders over a 10-year period.
The presenters have over 75 years combined clinical experience as physical therapists and have been trained in CPR/AED as health care professionals during their clinical practice years. Joe Farrell is the Chair of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and Secretary of the PulsePoint Foundation. Joe and his wife Edie are dedicated advocates who have firsthand experience in working with Foundations and have spoken at multiple conferences to help improve survivors and co-survivors support as well as facilitating training of as many citizens as possible in CPR/AED use.
Take this opportunity to empower yourself to “Pay Forward” to have influence in your personal SCA survival journey and your community to help many SCA survivor’s and co- survivors negotiate the complex SCA survivor journey.
Cardiac Arrest Survivor Alliance(TM): A Growing Community of Survivors, Co-Survivors, Lay Rescuers, and Advocates
- Mary Newman, MS – Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
- Dr. Joe Farrell – Chair, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
- Dr. Sarah Perman – Yale University School of Medicine
- Dr. Alex Presciutti – Massachusetts General Hospital
Led by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, researchers, advocates, and individuals who have been directly impacted by cardiac arrest, CASA provides a free online community designed to help or survivors, co-survivors, lay rescuers, and advocates. Members gain access to resources, peer support, educational webinars, and virtual meetups to help them recover, reconnect, and thrive.
With nearly 1,800 members from across the United States and 20+ other countries (approximately 75% survivors), CASA boasts an exceptionally high engagement rate. Our vision is for CASA to become an indispensable resource for everyone affected by cardiac arrest.
This presentation will focus on:
- The importance of providing resources and support to cardiac arrest survivors, co-survivors, lay rescuers, and advocates
- An overview of CASA
- Survey research conducted among CASA members to understand needs and evaluate program effectiveness
- Results, insights, and prospective plans
- Interactive discussion
- Call to action
Special Populations
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
Heat Stroke: Early Identification and Immediate Therapy
- Heatherlee Bailey, MD
Time-sensitive Emergency Response in an Era of Increasing Extreme Events
- Raj Pandya - Professor at Arizona State University
This has implications for time-sensitive emergency response, as well as community planning, preparation, recovery and rebuilding: we will need more people ready to respond and those people need to be ready to respond in new ways and to new events.
In this interactive session, you will work together to explore what this might mean in your communities. We will begin with data that describes the changing frequency and kinds of extreme events and the areas and populations at risk in those events. You will use that data to anticipate the need for time-sensitive emergency response and explore ways to meet that need. From there, we will explore what that means for CPR awareness and training goals, review factors for performing CPR safely in extreme heat and explore strategies to minimize the number of heat-wave-related heart attacks in the first place. You will leave the workshop with ideas to help your community be prepared for the changing nature of disasters and extreme events.
Resuscitation Education
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
From Research to Reach to Reality: Innovative Strategies for Sharing Critical Information with the Masses
- Dr. Benjamin Abella - Mount Sinai Endowed Professor and System Chair for the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System
- Bethany Keime – HeartCharged
- Aubi Nemeth – Sixth City CPR
Addressing this challenge demands innovative collaboration. In this session, resuscitation expert Dr. Benjamin Abella will present compelling, current research highlighting and quantifying gender disparities in CPR intervention and survival. He will clarify why these disparities persist, illuminating how research findings often fail to reach or resonate with lay rescuers.
Bethany Keime, co-founder of HeartCharged, an advocacy organization dedicated to preventing unnecessary deaths from sudden cardiac arrest through public education and innovative outreach strategies, along with Aubi Nemeth, doctoral candidate, Cardiac CRNA, advanced life support instructor, and passionate CPR advocate, will share groundbreaking methods to translate complex scientific findings into relatable, compelling outreach campaigns. Leveraging humor, social media, dynamic storytelling, and multimedia approaches, they demonstrate how strategically designed content can dramatically shift public attitudes and drive equitable bystander action.
Presenters will share relatable examples demonstrating how social media can effectively communicate evidence-based CPR research and guidelines, significantly improving public awareness and lay responder confidence. The session will also provide realistic, achievable methods to address common barriers, enhance inclusivity in CPR education, and inspire equitable community action.
Further, the session explores responses to these campaigns from trainers, trainees, social media audiences, retailers, and broader community groups, showcasing measurable impacts on awareness and behavior. An interactive discussion will reinforce real-world applications and offer guidance for integrating these strategies into local training programs.
Ultimately, this session aims to empower attendees to confidently lead inclusive, innovative, and impactful CPR education initiatives that address critical gaps, challenge harmful biases, and save more lives.
Coming Soon
Resuscitation Education
11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
Empowering Educators: New Standards in CPR & First Aid
- Mark Terry, MPA, NRP
- Kenny Navarro, MEd, LP
SCA in Youth & Athletes
11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
Where is the Science? Progress and Remaining Pitfalls Continued
- Jonathan Drezner, MD – Seattle Seahawks Team Physician National Football League
- Stuart Berger, MD – Chief of Cardiology Department of Pediatrics Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Woods Curry, MD – Associate Professor of Clinical University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Darryl Conway – Senior Associate AD and Chief Health & Welfare Office University of Michigan Athletics
- Maryam Naim, MD, MSCE – Associate Chief of Research Division of Cardiac Critical Care Medicine Children’s Hospital Philadelphia
- Erin Shore,
- Stephanie Felgoise, PHD, ABPP - Chief of Team-Based Care and Director of Interprofessional Education Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Session one will cover the science around sudden cardiac death in the young. It will review lessons learned from previous SCA incidents and will identify remaining barriers and pitfalls that are still needing to be conquered to achieve better outcomes and success.
- 11:40 AM - 11:55 AM Racial disparities and SCA in athletes and youth: where are we now? (Jonathan Drezner and Maryam Naim)
- 11:55 AM - 12:10 PM Athletic trainer employment and catastrophic sports injury outcomes in schools (Erin Shore)
- 12:10 PM - 12:25 PM What next? Psychological support following SCA (Stephanie Felgoise)
- 12:25 PM - 12:30 PM Panel Q&A
Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations
11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
The 10 Commandments for Hospital Rapid Response Teams
- Lisa Baker, Med, BSN - Director, Resuscitation Education and Outreach at VHA SimLEARN
- Dr. Susan B. Davis, DNP, MSN, RN, EMT-P - Resuscitation Education Manager
- Rich Shok, RN, NRP, EMS-I – CEO, Code One Training Solutions
- Brandon Oto. PA-C, FCCM – Critical Care Physician Assistant, Medical ICU, Bridgerton Hospital
- Dr. Bridgid Joseph, DNP, MSN, RN, CCNS – CEO, ThriveIN LLC
Join us for an interactive learning session with five nationally recognized resuscitation experts, with a focus on innovations for IHCAs. Bringing a wealth of experience and innovation to the table, this is not just another lecture. It’s an engaging, round-table experience designed to transform how you think about RRTs, the barriers to success and how your institution responds to critical situations. Expect dynamic discussions and real-world scenarios.
Our experts will share cutting-edge strategies that have proven successful in various healthcare settings, whilst acknowledging common barriers. They will cover early recognition of patient decline, effective activation protocols and the importance of clear communication. There will be a large opportunity to share your successes, share your opportunities for improvement and learn from others in the audience. You will learn how to foster a culture that encourages staff to speak up and act.
This session is tailored for healthcare professionals eager to make a difference. Whether you are a nurse, physician or administrator, you will gain invaluable insights. The focus is on actionable changes you can implement right away. Participants will walk away with practical strategies to break down barriers. You will discover the importance of conducting effective debriefings after RRT activations, ensuring continuous improvement. You will learn the significance of simulation training, enhancing teamwork and preparedness.
Together, we can enhance the effectiveness of rapid response teams, ultimately saving more lives. Join us and be part of the innovation in hospital responses!
Beyond the Card: Elevating In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Response from Compliance to Competence
- Dr. Susan B. Davis, DNP, MSN, RN, EMT-P
his session challenges the status quo of resuscitation training. Learn how unit-based, in-situ simulations shift teams from passive learning to real-world readiness. Discover how early defibrillation, compressions and role clarity reduce failure-to-rescue rates and improve outcomes.
Dr. Susan B. Davis, DNP, MSN, RN, EMT-P, is a nationally recognized leader in resuscitation education. As the Resuscitation Education Manager for a Florida healthcare system, she drives quality improvement initiatives and competency-based training that bridges the gap between compliance and clinical excellence.
Be ready when it matters most—because real emergencies demand real preparation.
Community Strategies & Survivorship
11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
AEDs Don’t Save Lives — People Do: Turning Neighborhoods into Lifesaving Networks
- Steven C. Brooks – Professor and Clinician-Scientist in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Queen’s University
The future of public defibrillation systems will require tight collaboration between resuscitation scientists, implementers, governments, communities and industry partners. Sustainability and scalability demand it. This session is for EMS leaders, PAD program leaders, policymakers, community advocates and resuscitation scientists who want to move beyond the limitations of conventional PAD and build a system that actually gets AEDs onto chests in time to save lives.
Join us to explore innovative solutions that aim to redefine public access defibrillation and ensure AEDs are accessible, activated and used when there are only seconds to act.
Seconds Matter: Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor AED Access and Empowering Community Responders
- Deb Hennig - Savestation
This session dives into the critical need for outdoor AED placements. We’ll explore where AEDs should be placed, the biggest barriers to accessibility, and the latest technologies that keep them “ready for rescue.” Whether it’s extreme weather, theft concerns or finding the right monitoring solution, we’ll tackle the key challenges and share proven strategies to overcome them.
Through powerful real-world case studies, we’ll showcase communities that have taken action —neighborhoods launching SaveStation programs, adult living communities creating their own emergency response teams and schools turning into hubs of lifesaving preparedness. Plus, we’ll highlight how PulsePoint’s AED Needed Alerts can be the missing link in connecting bystanders to nearby AEDs in real time. But placing an AED isn’t enough. Awareness is everything. We’ll discuss how to leverage a new AED installation to spark community engagement, drive CPR training and empower everyday heroes to take action. This session is for community leaders, emergency responders, educators and anyone passionate about saving lives. You’ll leave with practical steps to launch an outdoor AED program and inspire a movement where more people are ready to respond.
911, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement
11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
Case Studies in T-CPR
- Jerry Overton, President, International Academies of Emergency Dispatch
Improving the Chain of Survival: Empowering Telecommunicators to Save Live
- Andrew Wylam - South Carolina Government Relations Director, American Heart Association
This session explores proven strategies for advancing policy and securing sustainable funding for programs that bridge the gap between emergency calls and immediate care. Learn from successful state campaigns and gain practical tools to champion these innovations in your state to increase cardiac survival rates.
Special Populations
11:40 AM – 12:30 PM
Coming Soon
General Session
1:50 PM – 2:40 PM
Advancing Lifesaving Skills: Innovations in Resuscitation and First Aid Education
- Mark Whelchel, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, EMT-P – Director of Healthcare and Prehospital Education, American Red Cross
- Thomas E. Sather, Ed.D, MS, MSS, CAsP – Scientific Advisory Council, American Red Cross
Looking ahead, we’ll also preview the future of lifesaving education—where personalized learning and remote training platforms promise to make high-quality emergency response training more accessible and effective than ever before.
911, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement
2:55 PM – 3:45 PM
Unseen Burdens: What We Didn’t Know. How to Overcome Cardiac Arrest Barriers Moving Forward
- Elizabeth Froelich – Data Manager for Illinois Heart Rescue
Bystanders, often untrained and unsure, are placed under immense pressure to perform CPR. Mental health impacts on co-survivors are also often overlooked. Missteps like moving victims onto hard surfaces or misjudging their breathing and responsiveness, are more common than we think. Add in challenges with non-English speakers or issues that arise when care is initiated in public, and it becomes clear that changes are urgently needed.
Join us to learn how we can shift the paradigm, improve pre-hospital care and reduce the burden on the public during these critical moments. This discussion is vital for healthcare professionals, first responders and community members alike.
SCA in Youth & Athletes
2:55 PM – 3:45 PM
Improving Emergency Preparedness and Survival Outcomes in Schools
- Allison Thompson, Project Adam Administrator
- Richard Lamphier - National Project ADAM Program Council
- Jaclyn Reider, DNP, CPNP-AC, CCDS – Department of Electrophysiology, Project ADa.m. and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Stuart Berger, MD – Chief of Cardiology Department of Pediatrics Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Gwen Fosse
- Anoop Singh
- Jordan Mudery
- Sandra Clarke
- Dr. Heather Baker, Dorothy Simon Elementary School
- Vicki Vetter
- Ken Edmonds
- Martha Lopez Anderson
- Ciara Ashworth
- Matthew Mangine
- Kim Mangine
This session will include discussion on advocacy at both the state and federal level and where we are legislatively at the state and national level. The session will also include discussion and involvement from the athletic trainer community both in terms of current outcomes as well as improvements that can be made. Finally, the session will include a presentation discussing how families who are affected by SCA can be involved to help make a difference saving lives.
- 2:55 PM – 3:10 PM Project ADAM: 25 years: how did we get there, where are we now, barriers and facilitators, and future goals (Alli Thompson, Richard Lampier, Jaclyn Reider, and Stuart Berger))
- 3:10 PM-3:25 PM HEARTSafe Schools? What defines this? How can ALL schools become HEARTSafe? A tale of two countries: Project ADAM and The ACT Foundation (Gwen Fosse, Alli Thompson and Anoop Singh, Jordan Mudery, Sandra Clarke)
- 3:25 PM - 3:40 CERPs in secondary schools: how do we do it and can we do better? (Heather Baker)
Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations
2:55 PM – 3:45 PM
In-hospital Resuscitation Academy
- Leonie Hannappel, MD, MA
ILCOR and the American Heart Association developed the Ten Steps Toward Improving In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcomes. This is a new concept and has not yet been tested. We aim to sustainably optimize the prevention and the quality of resuscitation throughout the entire system to achieve a culture of excellence.
In this presentation and discussion, we want to hear your ideas, suggestions and experiences to improve hospital cardiac arrest and feedback on the Ten Steps Toward Improving In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcomes .
Post-Resuscitation Care - Outpatient center
- Jan-Thorsten Grasner, MD, Emergency Medicine
A holistic, multidisciplinary approach ensures the inclusion of the necessary medical specialties, enables structured care across different healthcare sectors, and provides low-threshold access for survivors and their relatives.
Additionally, through risk assessment and targeted measures, we can identify the recurrence of genetically predisposed SCAs in affected individuals and their family members and prevented.
You will learn about the development of this new care model and the progress made thus far.
Community Strategies & Survivorship
2:55 PM – 3:45 PM
Stacking Resilience: Rising Through Trauma
- Jennifer Chap (SURVIVOR) – Co-founder of BuddyCPR and StrataVerve
But when her worst nightmare comes true and another sudden critical illness with an even lower chance of survival threatens the life of her soulmate in 2024, she finds hope in her own resilience. She shares how trauma on top of trauma is real. But her epiphany is that resilience on top of resilience is just as real and incredibly powerful. She found an inner strength that had been growing within her. This presentation explores psychological medical trauma, post-intensive care syndrome, gratitude, loss and resilience — all common impacts of cardiac arrest. Each area of this presentation will be supported by evidence from psychology journals and personal discussions with medical trauma psychologists.
“I can’t unsee him lying in my kitchen”: Unpacking the TRAUMA of Cardiac Arrest
- Katie Dainty – Research Chair in Patient-Centered Outcomes at North York General Hospital and Associate Professor of Health Systems Research at the University of Toronto
Removing Surrogates’ Uncertainty to Reduce Fear and Anxiety after Cardiac Events (RESURFACE): A Pilot RCT
- Sachin Agarwal – Associate Professor of Neurology in the division of Neurocritical Care and Hospitalist Neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre and the Director of NeuroCardiac Comprehensive Care Clinic
The session will first review the intervention, Heartsight (ourheartsight.org), an innovative online psycho-educational platform developed by a diverse team of clinicians, researchers, survivors and advocates. We will discuss methodology and key findings of a randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary care center to test the feasibility, acceptability, usability and preliminary efficacy of Heartsight intervention as compared to usual care. Improvements in psychological outcomes and caregiving burden three months after the cardiac arrest event were observed. Families found the early intervention particularly beneficial and appreciated the non-burdensome nature of the digital tool. The session will also review similar online programs as vital digital health resources for supporting family caregivers.
Resuscitation Education
2:55 PM – 3:45 PM
Training to Perform Versus Willing to Act - What is the Difference?
- David Hiltz
- Dr. Katie Dainty - Research Chair in Patient-Centered Outcomes at North York General Hospital and Associate Professor of Health Systems Research at the University of Toronto
Join in this fantastic conversation with Dr. Dainty and Dave Hiltz.
Emotional Preparation to Perform CPR: Novel Training that Produces "Emotional Muscle Memory"
- Lorrel Brown Toft, M.D - Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine
But despite all these efforts, there are still too many arrests that don’t get CPR. Too many potentially preventable deaths. So what else can we do?
That’s exactly why we created cardiacSTAR - a revolutionary CPR training game designed to empower lay rescuers with mechanical AND emotional skills, so they are ready to act the second they witness a cardiac arrest. It was born out of 10 years of research by Dr. Lorrel Toft (cardiac critical care) in collaboration with award-winning film director Martin Percy. cardiacSTAR harnesses the power of dramatic, realistic interactive film, team-based gameplay, and hands-only CPR practice. cardiacSTAR puts learners into the role of a lay rescuer, responding to a cardiac arrest in real-time. Teams must answer questions to determine how the heroes will react, and practice CPR and using an AED along with the heroes of the film. Think CPR training meets “Family Feud.” It’s fun, engaging, immersive, and builds confidence so lay rescuers are ready to save lives. cardiacSTAR is CPR training – evolved. It allows more bystanders to learn CPR in less time, it requires less equipment, and the learning is measurably more effective.
Learn the 10 years of research into lay rescuer CPR training and skill retention, which led to the creation of cardiacSTAR. Find out more about the layers of interactivity and science built into this new training tool. And witness first-hand the power of cardiacSTAR through a demonstration. Find out if this tool can help you reach more potential rescuers and prepare them to act fast – when every second counts.
Special Populations
2:55 PM – 3:45 PM
Wading in Uncertainty: A Clinician-Parent’s Personal Experience with Pediatric Drowning
- Dr. Kelly Bouthillet
Attendees will hear a firsthand account of both successes and failures within the healthcare system, illustrating the critical need for continuous improvement in resuscitation care. Through the presenter’s experience, participants will learn how to effectively support co-survivors, foster compassionate communication with families during traumatic events, and advocate for necessary changes in resuscitation practices to enhance outcomes.
Participants will also gain valuable insights into the importance of family presence during resuscitation, post-event support for both the survivor and co-survivors and how to become an advocate for life-saving improvements in care protocols. This is an opportunity to reflect on both the clinical and human aspects of resuscitation, fostering empathy, compassion and a renewed commitment to excellence in care.
A Dive into the New Drowning Resuscitation Guidelines
- Chelsea Cannon – Premier Aquatics
Seconds to Act: Phoenix's Aquatics Innovative Approach to Drowning & Cardiac Arrest
- Paul Snobelen - Community Resuscitation Programs Specialist with Peel Regional Paramedic Services
Lifeguards and first responders must act fast. Oxygen deprivation sets in quickly, and without immediate intervention, survival chances plummet. Phoenix’s program prioritizes rapid rescue breathing, hands-on CPR techniques and AED integration. Their rigorous training ensures lifeguards can perform under pressure. However, Phoenix also tackles barriers to lifeguard recruitment. By diversifying its workforce, the city ensures a culturally competent, community-reflective response team. Representation matters—rescue effectiveness improves when lifeguards connect with the communities they serve.
Facilitator Paul Snobelen brings extensive experience in emergency response and pre-paramedic intervention. Co-presenter Kelly Martinez, Aquatic Coordinator for Phoenix, has over 30 years of experience leading one of the country’s largest municipal pool programs. She has helped shape life-saving strategies for thousands of lifeguards. Wess Long, representing StarGuard Elite, has trained lifeguards worldwide, adapting the latest research into practical, lifesaving interventions.
This session highlights Phoenix’s proactive strategies, including real-world rescues, success stories, and lessons learned. Attendees will gain insights into the physiological differences in drowning cardiac arrest, best practices in resuscitation and how to integrate these methods into their own training programs. In addition to the cognitive impact lifeguards have, many participating in a Cardiac Arrest are teenagers. Drowning prevention is possible. Lifesaving interventions make a difference. Walk away with actionable strategies, new perspectives and the tools to enhance drowning response in your own community.
SCA in Youth & Athletes
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Improving Emergency Preparedness and Survival Outcomes in Schools Continued
- Allison Thompson, Project Adam Administrator
- Richard Lamphier - National Project ADAM Program Council
- Jaclyn Reider – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Stuart Berger, MD – Chief of Cardiology Department of Pediatrics Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Gwen Fosse
- Anoop Singh
- Jordan Mudery
- Sandra Clarke
- Dr. Heather Baker, Dorothy Simon Elementary School
- Vicki Vetter
- Ken Edmonds
- Martha Lopez Anderson
- Ciara Ashworth
- Matthew Mangine
- Kim Mangine
This session will include discussion on advocacy at both the state and federal level and where we are legislatively at the state and national level. The session will also include discussion and involvement from the athletic trainer community both in terms of current outcomes as well as improvements that can be made. Finally, the session will include a presentation discussing how families who are affected by SCA can be involved to help make a difference saving lives.
- 4:15 PM – 4:30 PM State legislative advocacy – Does it make sense and how do we pull it off (Stuart Berger, Vicki Vetter, and Ken Edmonds)
- 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM National legislation for CPR-AED education and implementation (Martha Lopez Anderson and Ken Edmonds)
- 4:45 PM - 4:55 PM Pre-game medical timeout (Ciara Ashworth)
- 4:55 PM – 5:05 PM Our story: How families can make a difference (Matthew and Kim Mangine)
- 5:05 PM – 5:15 PM Panel discussion/Q&A: Get involved! How to advocate with impact
911, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Desk and Chain of Survival Optimization
- Liam Sagi
This novel approach to assessment and management of OHCA in the dispatch center seeks to drive improvement in survival by ensuring that all available community resources are utilized. The unique setup of UK ambulance services relies heavily on the public and volunteers to respond to cardiac arrest. Learn how we seek to overcome inequalities in resuscitation and identify opportunities to nuance pre-EMS care.
There is also increasing recognition of the emotional burden OHCA places on bystanders. We seek to ensure a pathway for support is established for all those involved in a resuscitation attempt. With an advanced paramedic interrogating and intervening in every cardiac arrest call, we hope to understand the benefit and drawbacks of senior clinical input at the point of the 999 (911) call to EMS. How does the caller feel having a paramedic on video during a cardiac arrest? Is it reassuring or pressurizing? Will video reduce the number of inappropriate resuscitation attempts? Can we improve CPR quality, reduce hands off chest time and time for first defibrillation?
The Value of QA/QI Assessing Your Pre-hospital Chain of Survival
- Clark Church – Clinical Education and Quality Assurance Captain with Clear Creek (CO) EMS
EMS High Fidelity Simulation Community Included — A Real Experience
- Kostas Alibertis, EMS Chief
Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
How a Data-Driven CPR Quality Improvement Project Transformed Culture and Saved Lives
- LJennifer Hayes, Pediatric CCRN, RN
Preventing the Code: Building a System to Act before Arrest in Acute Care
- Angie Blackwell, MSN - Clinical Nurse Specialist
Initial analysis revealed common themes: lack of situational awareness, communication breakdowns, and delays in transfer to higher levels of care. Recognizing the need for shared mental models and proactive detection, the team created and implemented a "watcher" program based on literature and national best practices. This initiative identified high-risk patients early and brought clinical teams into alignment around potential deterioration.
All non-ICU cardiac arrests and late transfers to the ICU were reviewed within six hours to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. Common system breakdowns were addressed, and real-time data helped the team close loops and build accountability.
The result was a significant reduction in acute care arrests in the Emergency Department and fewer late transfers to the ICU. This session offers practical strategies for hospitals seeking to prevent cardiac arrests outside of critical care areas by focusing on shared awareness, early action, and system design.
Community Strategies & Survivorship
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Data and Defibrillation: Linking CARES with the National Emergency AED Registry
- Richard Price – founder and president of the PulsePoint Foundation
- Michael J. Carr, MD, FACEP, FAEMS – Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Emory University, Executive Director of PAVES, and Chief Quality & Innovation Officer for CARES
- Bryan McNally, MD, MPH – Professor of Emergency Medicine at Emory University, and Executive Director of CARES
- Rachel Andrea, PhD, MPH – Director of Data Science at Emory University for CARES
PulsePoint in Action: Enhancing Cardiac Readiness Through Public-Private Partnerships
- Stephen J. Kennedy, ENP, CFO, CPM, GICSP, EFO, MPA, MS – Assistant County Administrator for Sumter County, FL
Learn how PulsePoint and the AED Registry were integrated to expand alerting and device visibility, resulting in a 48% increase in registered AEDs and a 69% increase in CPR-Needed subscribers. Discover how strategic partnerships enabled public access to private AEDs in gated communities, leading to a 30.6% increase in responder turnout. Dive into the workflows, funding mechanisms and data practices that made this possible. Leave equipped with a toolkit of templates, checklists and policy language you can take back to your agency. Whether you're just starting your AED initiative or looking to scale your impact, this session delivers actionable insight, tested workflows and actual results.
Psychological Distress After Response to Cardiac Arrest: Latest Research and Support Strategies
- Halle Price – PulsePoint Foundation
Social Media Impact on Telephone Alert Downloads (PulsePoint)
- Dr. Dianne Atkins – University of Iowa
Resuscitation Education
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Mastering Cardiac Arrest: Repetitive Education for Life-Saving Excellence
- Michael Riley – Director of Cooper University Health Care's Center for Resuscitation Education & Community Engagement
- Jacques Michot – Resuscitation Educator, Cooper University of Heath Care
- Jordan Reeder – Manager of Resuscitation Education, Cooper University of Health Care
- Matthew Sinback - Resuscitation Educator, Cooper University of Heath Care
This session explores a multi-faceted, hands-on education approach that sharpens resuscitation skills and improves outcomes. Learn how immersive ACLS and PALS instruction replicates real hospital scenarios using CPR feedback, demo medications, live defibrillators, and team dynamics. Discover how roving, real-time education brings training to the bedside—integrating CPR refreshers, defibrillator practice, cardiac rhythm reviews, and hands-on equipment use into daily hospital workflows. Finally, see how ongoing in-hospital cardiac arrest simulations reinforce learning, build confidence, and enhance team performance.
Through firsthand experience in high-stakes resuscitation, the presenters share proven, data-driven strategies that close knowledge gaps and ensure readiness. Walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your team, reduce hesitation, and improve survival rates. Because when every second counts, preparation makes the difference.
Advancing CPR+AED Training through upskilling instructors
- Muhammad Firdaus Sapii – Singapore Heart Foundation
- Zicheng Lin – Singapore Heart Foundation
- Joanne Su – Singapore Heart Foundation
National Life Saving Day (NLSD) is an annual event organized by SHF, bringing together healthcare professionals and life support trainers through large-scale seminars. The 2025 theme centered on Sports Health, featuring topics such as heat injuries, sudden cardiac arrest during exercise, and sports safety regulations.
The Lifesaver Masterclass is a specialized workshop designed to enhance the skills of first aid instructors providing specialized training on cases. Recent sessions have provided in-depth training on medical emergencies, such as Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke, ensuring instructors are equipped with advanced knowledge to teach these critical conditions effectively.
Project Heart is a mass training initiative that unites hospital instructors, training institutes, and SHF’s own pool of instructors. This program focuses on providing mass CPR training to a wide range of participants, ensuring broad community readiness for emergencies.
The Chief Instructor (CI) Workgroup meets fortnightly to discuss training updates, upcoming events, and course-related feedback, ensuring consistently high training standards.
SHF trains students to equip them with life-saving skills, ensuring they can respond confidently and effectively in emergencies, fostering a culture of preparedness for the future. Our goal is to expand the pool of students by training them to be instructors, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to teach CPR+AED. SHF also pioneered the Female Vest Initiative, addressing a significant gap in CPR training by incorporating female chest anatomy into manikins. This vest provides a more realistic learning experience and boosts confidence.
From The Office to The Pitt: Leveraging CPR in Entertainment Media
- Dr. Beth Hoffman – University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health
- Ore Fawole – Student, University of Pittsburgh
Special Populations
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Evolving Approaches to Hemorrhagic Shock Rescue
- Dr. Lewis Kaplan - Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania
This is a didactic session that explores how hemorrhagic shock care is evolving in the pre-hospital and in-hospital spaces. The focus is on pre-hospital hemorrhage control, hemorrhagic shock resuscitation, recognition of those who would benefit from a Direct-to-OR approach and viscoelastic testing for coagulopathy identification and management. The key role of EMS clinicians in each of those domains will be explored, as well as the need for unique tools, skills and educational programming to support each of those goals.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Active Bleeding Control: A Pilot Life-Saving Training Program in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Kristin Henley - Division of Pediatric Critical Care Baylor College of Medicine Christus Children's Hospital
threatening bleeding injuries occur in the upper and lower extremities yet delays in emergency response often exacerbates outcomes. To bridge the critical gap in prehospital care, especially in LMIC, it is essential to equip both professional and lay first responders with basic life-saving skills at the scene of injury – before hospital arrival.
A team of co-investigators previously piloted an Active Bleeding Control (ABC) curriculum implementation for layperson first responders along busy road traffic corridors in Hyderabad and Bangalore, India targeting lay responders along high-risk traffic corridors. Results demonstrated the feasibility of scaling this approach, including a fourfold training multiplier when Indian high school children were trained in ABC techniques. Building on this success, we are now implementing a phased ABC contextualized curriculum starting in Kenya in collaboration with Africa Fire Mission (africafiremission.org), a U.S.-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The program is currently studying the effectiveness of training implementation with first responders (emergency medical technicians and firefighters) as well as community laypersons in three identified high-risk Kenyan road traffic accident/life- threatening bleed corridors.
Our project highlights the power of international collaboration and locally adapted training to address a leading cause of death and disability in LMIC—offering a model for wider regional and global replication.
Birmingham Prehospital Whole Blood Transfusion Program
- Ryan Coute, MD - Physician-Scientist and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Discover how the program was developed and implemented, including logistical challenges and early lessons learned. Hear firsthand about the team’s approach to training and ensuring the proper deployment of blood transfusions by EMS providers in the field. The presentation also highlights the early outcomes from the first 100 patients treated under the program. This data offers valuable insights into the program’s potential in stabilizing trauma patients and improving their chances of survival.
CASSummit Event
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A Celebration of Survivors and Rescuers
Join us for a special evening, —FREE for everyone
A highlight of each conference is a celebration of our survivors and their lay rescuers. Often with music, a static display of rescue vehicles, CPR demonstrations from local schools, and other entertainment, it’s a fun time for all.
We’ll meet survivors and rescuers, hear their stories and learn about their challenges. Faculty and participants mingle together in a casual, relaxed setting—perfect for networking.
Improving survival from sudden cardiac arrest is the mission of the conference and tonight we celebrate our successes!
A highlight of each conference is a celebration of our survivors and their lay rescuers. Often with music, a static display of rescue vehicles, CPR demonstrations from local schools, and other entertainment, it’s a fun time for all.
We’ll meet survivors and rescuers, hear their stories and learn about their challenges. Faculty and participants mingle together in a casual, relaxed setting—perfect for networking.
Improving survival from sudden cardiac arrest is the mission of the conference and tonight we celebrate our successes!
Friday, December 5
CASSummit Event
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast with Champions
- Co-Survivor Experience: Wellness & Resiliency: Improving Self-Care with Thomas Greenhalgh
- EMS Systems of Care: The ACR Trifecta: Optimizing Patient, Community, and System Response to Cardiac Arrest" with Billy Croft and Preparing to meet the AHA 2030 challenge: the Los Angeles experience with Stephen Sanko
- Future of CPR Training: The Politics of CPR Training – Barriers, Mandates, and the Future of Resuscitation Education with Richard Shok
- In-Hospital: Beyond the Card: The Curse of Caring in CPR Education with Kori Burz and Call a Code! How to Breathe Life Back in to your Resuscitation Training with Jennifer Salvin
- Resuscitation Leadership: Living Your Potential: The Next Generation of Resuscitation Leadership with James Hempstead
- Emergency Response in Schools: Implementing A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in a Large Public School District with Richard Lamphier and Empowering K-12 Students to Save Precious Lives with Alan Himelfarb
- Survivor Advocacy: Cardiac Arrest Survivor Alliance™: A Growing Community with Mary Newman and A Quarter Century in the Battle Against Sudden Cardiac Death: Progress, Pitfalls, and Future Prospects with Gina Peattie
- Training Innovation 1: CPR Training - Outside the Box with Jim Bollenbacher and Using CPR To Teach CPR with Sylvia Owusu-Ansah
- Training Innovation 2: Can CPR be taught and learned with many low cost and DIY a laypeople? With Santiago Martínez-isasi and Saving Lives Shouldn’t Get Lost in Translation: Hands Only CPR for everyone with Lyrissa Leininger
General Session
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Inside the 2025 AHA CPR and ECC Guidelines – The Science Behind the Updates
- Michael Kurz, MD, MS, FACEP, FAEMS, FAHA
- Alexis Topjian, MD, MSCE, FAHA
- Ian Drennan, ACP, PhD
- Mary McBride, MD, MEd
- Comilla Sasson, MD, PHD
General Session
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
The Global Evolution of Resuscitation Practices and Technologie in Low-Resource Settings: Highlighting the Work of the Global Resuscitation Alliance.
- Tore Laerdal – Executive Chairman of Laerdal
- Vinay Nadkarni, MD, MS
- Panel of International Experts
To address common needs in strengthening emergency care systems, the World health Organization, the AHA and Laerdal Foundation in 2023 founded the Acute Care Action Network (ACAN). The network today has over 50 global organizations as members. This session will present and discuss opportunities of addressing these death causes in a more synergistic manner than in silos that has typically been the case till the present
SCA in Youth & Athletes
10:35 AM – 11:35 AM
Improving Emergency Preparedness and Survival Outcomes in the Community
- Jonathan Drezner, MD – Seattle Seahawks Team Physician National Football League
- R. Angel Garcia
- Lindsay Gakenheimer-Smith
- Garth Gemar
- Joy Cruz
- Adam Lang, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Smartsheet
- Christy Eason
- 10:35 AM - 10:50 AM Recognition of SCA during exercise: Do we have it right? (Jonathan Drezner)
- 10:50 AM -11:10 AM Improving bystander CPR in disadvantaged communities (R. Angel Garcia and Lindsay Gakenheimer-Smith)
- 11:10 AM - 11:25 AM Community/Recreation Centers: Can we raise the standard? (Garth Gemar)
911, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement
10:35 AM – 11:35 AM
Hot Topics From EMS Medical Directors - Interact with the Experts
- Moderated by Racht Ed
Update from the Resuscitation Academy
- Andrew McCoy, MD, MS, FAEMS
This session will provide an update on Resuscitation Academy initiatives including the ten steps to improve survival in your community and the key and critical optimizations to make in your system to help increase survival from out of hospital cardiac arrest.
You will learn the Resuscitation Academy mantras, their meaning and application as well an update on what is new for the Resuscitation Academy. As well as the Resuscitation Academy Lighthouse program and work with the Global Resuscitation Alliance. We will bring it home with a pitch for you to come to a Resuscitation Academy and see for yourself what it is all about!
Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations
10:35 AM – 11:35 AM
Just Breathe Baby: Exploring Updates in Neonatal Resuscitation
- Julie L. Bacon, MSN-HCSM, NPD-BC, NE-BC, CPN, CPEN, C-NPT
- Sarah Copple MSN, RNC-MNN, C-ONQS
Revolutionizing Pediatric Resuscitation: Transforming Training using Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI)
- John Erbayri – Manager for the Center for Life Support Education & Outreach at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- James Randolph III, BS, NRP – Senior Life Support Educator
- Shannon Wolf, MSN, RN, CPEN, NPD-BC, NREMT – Nursing Professional Development Specialist
- Ian Stoddart, BS, EMT-P – Senior Life Support Educator
Community Strategies & Survivorship
10:35 AM – 11:25 PM
Addressing the Need: A Co-Designed Approach to Developing Resources for Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Co-Survivors
- Paulina Schuhler – Children’s Hospital of Orange County
- Dr. Sachin Agarwal – Associate Professor of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre
This session explores how a pediatric-focused North American writing group, composed of parents, young survivors, researchers, and clinicians, came together to fill this critical gap. In a very systematic way, the group developed an accessible, lay-friendly, multilingual informational resource for supporting and educating stakeholders. The group’s collaborative process focused on identifying key challenges, structuring an inclusive team, and creating content that blends evidence-based and trusted knowledge with lived experiences.
Participants will gain insight into research by this group that identified information as an intervention to reduce uncertainty and in turn reduce emotional distress in parents and caregivers of pediatric cardiac arrest survivors. We will discuss how to build multidisciplinary and diverse collaborations, structure efforts, and develop sustainable scalable resources. The discussion will explore the journey of shared stories, provide a knowledge base, and engage in multi-site collaboration to achieve various perspectives. By examining the barriers, lessons learned, and future directions of this initiative, attendees will leave with practical strategies to enhance survivorship care within their institutions and communities.
Resuscitation Education
10:35 AM – 11:35 AM
Empowering Youth to Respond to Cardiac Arrest and Opioid-Associated Emergencies
- Jennifer Russell – Director of Operations for Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation of Canada
The ACT Foundation is the national charity that establishes free CPR, AED and opioid overdose response training in high schools across Canada. With over six million students trained in CPR to date and 350,000 more learning lifesaving skills each year, this initiative is enhancing community resilience and building generations of prepared responders. Join us to learn about ACT’s Recognize, React, and Resuscitate Framework and how this structured approach teaches students how to quickly assess emergencies, take immediate action, and provide life-saving interventions, fostering a culture of preparedness and confidence among youth and teachers. You will also gain valuable insights from ACT’s three-year project that introduced opioid overdose response training (including naloxone administration) to students in 850 high schools, as well as a pilot program training teachers to teach bleeding control techniques. The session also includes strategies and lessons learned for successfully engaging schools, understanding and addressing potential barriers, program implementation process and teacher (Train the Trainer model) and student focused resources.
The Pakistan Life Savers Prog: A Scalable Model for National CPR and Bleed Control Training
- Baig Mirza Noor Ali, PhD
PLSP is equipping students, teachers, law enforcement officers and everyday citizens with life-saving skills across Pakistan. The program has already trained over 425,000 people and is scaling fast. Through powerful partnerships with the Resuscitation Academy and the American College of Surgeons, PLSP has introduced High-Performance CPR (HP-CPR) training and integrated Telephone-CPR (T-CPR) into provincial EMS systems. These steps ensure that lay responders and emergency professionals work in sync to give patients the best chance of survival.
What makes PLSP unique is its comprehensive, systems-level approach. The program is embedded into school curricula, supported by policy advocacy including the development of a national Bystander Protection Law and reinforced by biannual EMS performance assessments. It leverages mass public campaigns like World Restart a Heart Day to engage communities at scale and normalize lifesaving actions.
PLSP’s success has extended beyond Pakistan. The model has already been replicated in Nepal, demonstrating its adaptability and impact in other low- and middle-income countries.
This presentation will offer a powerful narrative backed by actionable insights. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on designing scalable community training programs, building cross-sector partnerships, and using policy as a tool for sustainability. The session is ideal for emergency physicians, public health leaders, EMS professionals, educators, and anyone interested in turning bystanders into lifesavers—no matter the resource setting.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how one country is rewriting the survival story through community empowerment and innovation.
Pioneering 40 Years of Leadership in Life Support Training and Implementation in Brazil
- Prof. Sergio Timerman, MD, PhD
This compelling presentation by Prof. Sergio Timerman, MD, PhD, highlights over four decades of transformative contributions to life support training and implementation in Brazil. Prof. Timerman, a pioneer in introducing the American Heart Association’s life support courses to the country, shares insights into his groundbreaking work, including the establishment of Latin America’s first successful targeted Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program.
The session delves into Brazil’s critical public health challenge, where circulatory diseases, including cardiopulmonary arrests (CPAs), remain the leading cause of death, with approximately 220,000 CPAs occurring annually. Recent evidence underscores the efficacy of Continuous Chest Compressions (hands-only CPR) in improving neurological outcomes, shifting paradigms in resuscitation science.
Through a real-world case from São Paulo’s Subway system, Prof. Timerman illustrates the life-saving potential of empowering lay rescuers with skills in hands-only CPR and access to AEDs. This inspiring talk emphasizes the urgent need for expanding public access AED programs and advancing training to enhance survival rates in Latin America.
Key themes include:
- The current mortality landscape of circulatory diseases in Brazil.
- The evolution of hands-only CPR and its neurological benefits.
- The impact of AED accessibility on survival outcomes.
- Strategies for implementing scalable and effective life support programs.
- Prof. Timerman’s expertise, paired with his pioneering achievements, offers a unique perspective on how education, innovation, and public health initiatives can save lives.
Special Populations
10:35 AM – 11:35 AM
Boosting Survival Rates: Empowering the Public in Trauma, Acute Conditions and Venomous Emergencies
- John Haines, MD
Clearing the Path: Innovations in Choking Management
- Richard Bradley, MD - Director of Medical Response Services for the Texas Division of Emergency Management
Key takeaways will include understanding FBAO and gaining insights into the prevalence and causes of airway obstructions across different age groups and reviewing current therapeutic approaches and exploring the latest evidence-based interventions for effectively managing FBAO emergencies.
This concurrent session is invaluable for healthcare professionals and researchers seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in emergency response to FBAO incidents. Attendees will understand the latest science and leave equipped with practical tools and updated information to apply in clinical settings.
Special Populations
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
Coming Soon
SCA in Youth & Athletes
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
Improving Emergency Preparedness and Survival Outcomes in the Community
- Jonathan Drezner, MD – Seattle Seahawks Team Physician National Football League
- R. Angel Garcia
- Lindsay Gakenheimer-Smith
- Garth Gemar
- Joy Cruz
- Adam Lang, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Smartsheet
- Christy Eason
- 11:35 AM - 11:45 AM My story: How I survived SCA during recreational soccer (Joy Cruz)
- 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM Project 100 – Equipping outdoor sporting facilities with AEDs (Adam Lang)
- 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM Youth sport: Are you prepared for SCA? (Christy Eason)
- 12:15 PM - 12:25 PM Panel Q&A
911, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
Pediatric High-Performance CPR: The Push to Deliver High-Quality, On-Scene Care to Children Suffering Cardiac Arrest
- Karen O’Connell, MD – Children’s National Hospital
You’ll learn about the Maryland EMS experience with new protocol guidelines to stay on scene. Initiating high-quality CPR for a minimum of the first ten minutes after arrival challenges existing prehospital culture to “scoop and transport” immediately in the youngest cardiac arrest patients.
Why EMS Responders Rarely Apply a System Approach to Emergencies — And What You Can Do
- Dr. Larry Starr – Lehigh University and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
This is not a trivial endeavor. It is not commonly used because while analytic thinking is embedded into our educational curricula, system thinking is not. It is rarely taught, learned or applied. Yet, there are some notable examples of system-theory-informed approaches that can be models for EMS problem-solving. You’ll learn how to use system thinking, as well as when it’s appropriate.
Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
RSST: Driving Resuscitation Readiness using Simulation to Proactively Evaluate Emergency Care Processes
- Lisa Baker, Med, BSN - Director, Resuscitation Education and Outreach at VHA SimLEARN
- Lisa Baker, Med, BSN - Director, Resuscitation Education and Outreach at VHA SimLEARN
Patients can often present with complex co-morbidities, requiring rapid, precise and coordinated emergency responses. However, traditional quality improvement methods rely on retrospective analysis, addressing issues only after adverse events occur. RSST shifts this paradigm by employing proactive risk assessments, simulating critical scenarios. Using real-time data collection and debriefing, the system evaluates team dynamics, communication, equipment usability and protocol adherence. This comprehensive approach ensures that potential failures, whether human, technological, or procedural, are identified and mitigated preemptively. In this session learn how to apply this advanced simulation technology to identify systemic weaknesses before they occur.
Code Blue Clue: A Game-Changing Approach to Innovating Resuscitation Education
- Jacqueline Cushard, RN, CHSE, CHSOS, CNE, NPD-BC
Learn how this game transformed training across hospital facilities, including rural areas. Explore how gamification and simulation enhanced participation and outcomes. Hear about the dynamic team-building approach that united staff through education on cardiac events, heart-healthy choices, exercise, and comprehensive wellness.
Created by the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System's Nursing Professional Development Team, "Code Blue Clue" aimed to bring awareness to Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI). Launched during CPR and AED Week, the game featured daily activities and clues that kept participants engaged and motivated.
Both clinical and non-clinical staff participated, working together to solve the mystery and improve their resuscitation skills. Game masters guided the teams, ensuring a fun and educational experience. The winning team even had the honor of naming the CPR task trainer.
Outcomes were impressive: increased AED awareness, improved resuscitation skills and stronger teamwork. The game also emphasized heart-healthy choices and the power of exercise, with insights from dietitians and personal trainers. Uncover the secrets of implementing this transformative game yourself. Learn how to create an engaging and educational experience that can boost resuscitation training in your facility. Discover the power of gamification and simulation in enhancing participation and outcomes. Presented by the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System's Nursing Professional Development Team. This session offers a unique opportunity to learn from the creators of "Code Blue Clue."
Community Strategies & Survivorship
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
The Power of Stories: Loss and Survival in SCA & Stroke and Implications for Action
- Fran Lesicko (SURVIVOR)
Step by Step: Survivor’s Journeys from Personal Healing to Advocacy
- Dr. Cheri Olson - 7rivers Cardiac Arrest Preparedness and Education
- Karen Oakes
Next steps in the post-SCA journey can be healing for many survivors and families and can include on-line, group, or individual support of other affected persons and sharing their stories and recovery. As survivors continue to heal, many become active in education and AED placement and distribution. Another step is when the process of education becomes more formalized as survivors and families often form nonprofit local or regional organizations that start to systematize the teaching process.
Since there are multiple small, active and successful nonprofits working locally, greater reach and power can occur when these nonprofits come together to provide combined and complementary services. Finally, a number of survivors and families become advocates for policies and procedures that unify communities and organizations and promote systemic response to SCA.
This interactive and lively discussion will share multiple resources to “take the next step” for interested survivors, families and healthcare workers in the chain of survival and recovery, two survivors who are active in education and advocacy will share tips, tools, and best practices for helping survivors and their families wherever they are on their journey.
Coming Soon
Resuscitation Education
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
Doubling Survival from cardiac arrest: Strengthen Cardiac Emergency Preparedness in Schools and Athletics
- Eryn Streeter, MPA – Regional Senior Lead, State Government Relations, American Heart Association
Training More Lifesavers: Championing Policy and Funding for CPR in Schools
- Dustin Holfinger- Ohio State Government Relations Director, American Heart Association
General Session
1:25 PM – 2:15 PM
MythBusters: Debunking Resuscitation Myths Across Emergency Care
- Nici Singletary MD, FACEP
- Heatherlee Bailey, MD FAAEM FCCM
- Members of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council
From cardiac arrest and trauma to stroke, anaphylaxis, and opioid overdose, the panel will dissect myths across a wide spectrum of emergency scenarios. Each myth will be examined through the lens of current evidence, highlighting how updated guidelines and innovations in training have reshaped our understanding and response strategies.
Special Interest
2:25 PM – 3:15 PM
Evaluation of a Self Directed Feedback Manikin for precision, accuracy and Objectivity in Lifesaving Training
- Dr. Thomas Newman – James Madison University
- Dr. Brian Miller – Scientific Advisory Council
- Dr. Thomas Sather – American Red Cross
Self-directed feedback manikins are advanced training tools equipped with sensors and technology that deliver immediate performance feedback on critical CPR parameters, such as compression depth, rate, hand positioning, and ventilation volume. This real-time feedback enables trainees to self-correct and refine their techniques during practice sessions, potentially reducing the need for constant instructor supervision. For example, studies have demonstrated that detailed feedback provided via training manikins increases participants' motivation to learn and improves CPR proficiency.
The objective nature of these manikins addresses the variability inherent in human assessments. By standardizing performance evaluations, self-directed feedback manikins ensure consistent training quality and help maintain adherence to established guidelines. Research comparing self-instruction with manikin feedback to instructor-led methods found that self-directed training with feedback manikins was non-inferior, suggesting that these tools can effectively supplement or replace traditional training approaches.
Moreover, the use of self-directed feedback manikins can optimize training resources by allowing trainees to practice independently. This autonomy enables more flexible scheduling and potentially reduces the demand for instructors, decreasing barriers to training. The incorporation of objective feedback in manikins has been a significant advancement, as it helps learners develop high-quality CPR skills through real-time feedback, allowing self-correction and skill reinforcement.
The effectiveness of self-directed feedback manikins is further supported by studies demonstrating their role in improving CPR training outcomes. For instance, research has shown that visual feedback incorporated into CPR manikins provides direct, objective insights into the effectiveness of chest compressions, enabling trainees to correct their techniques in real time. This approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring trainees are well-equipped to perform effective CPR during emergencies.
Incorporating self-directed feedback manikins into lifesaving training programs offers significant benefits in enhancing precision, accuracy, and objectivity. By providing real-time, objective feedback, these devices facilitate effective skill acquisition and retention, leading to better preparedness in emergency situations. As technology continues to evolve, integrating such innovative tools into training programs will be crucial for advancing the effectiveness of lifesaving education.
911, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement
2:25 PM – 3:15 PM
Coming Soon
Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations
2:25 PM – 3:15 PM
Improving Resuscitation Quality of Care Among Professional Rescuers Using Team Based CPR
- Dr. Heatherlee Bailey – American Red Cross
A designated team leader coordinates this effort ensuring that all aspects of CPR are addressed efficiently and simultaneously. This coordinated effort focuses on improving the quality of CPR and minimizing interruptions. Team based CPR results in a cohesive team response in both the pre-hospital and in-hospital settings. This approach may lead to both improved patient outcomes for cardiac arrest
A designated team leader coordinates all aspects of CPR to ensure all aspects of CPR are performed efficiently and simultaneously. This coordinated effort focuses on improving the quality of CPR and minimizing interruptions.
Come learn about the concept of Team based CPR, best practices and ongoing research in this interactive session.
Coming Soon
Community Strategies & Survivorship
2:25 PM – 3:15 PM
Keeping Kids Safe – Prevention and Treatment of Cardiac Arrest in Children
- Joseph Rossano, MD, MS, FAAP, FACC – pediatric cardiologist, Co-Director of the Cardiac Center and Chief of the Division of Cardiology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
The session will begin by highlighting the unique physiology of pediatric cardiac arrest and the critical role of ventilations, reviewing some of our recent research work that demonstrates the benefit of ventilations in children. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of why high-quality ventilations are often more important in children than in adults during resuscitation and are a critical component of improving outcomes. Next, the importance of bystander CPR and strategies to increase community engagement and training will be reviewed. Emphasis will be placed on overcoming barriers to action and ensuring that laypersons feel empowered to respond in emergencies involving children, and the work of the American Red Cross in engaging high-risk communities will be highlighted as a potential strategy to reduce disparities in bystander CPR provision. Finally, the session will address cardiac arrest in young athletes, including recognition of warning signs, the importance of pre-participation screening and the role of emergency action plans and access to AEDs in schools and sports settings.
This session aims to equip healthcare providers, educators, coaches and the public with the knowledge and tools to save young lives through prevention, preparedness and prompt response.
Resuscitation Education
2:25 PM – 3:15 PM
Dynamic Emergency Preparedness: BLS Education for Real-World Readiness and Empowerment
- Dr. David Berry
Understand that while mastering the basics is crucial, it is only the first step. Learn how scenario-based practice—incorporating time constraints, environmental distractions, and realistic patient challenges—better prepares individuals for actual emergencies. Recognize the importance of structured debriefings and targeted feedback in helping learners refine their techniques, process mistakes and reinforce their strengths. Realize that repeated, intentional practice solidifies skills and builds a strong sense of confidence.
Join Dr. David Berry, a researcher and professor of Kinesiology with firsthand experience in developing and evaluating these dynamic methods. Drawing from his work with diverse populations in both academic and clinical settings, Dr. Berry emphasizes strategies that effectively motivate learners to take quick and decisive action. Hear success stories about connecting classroom instruction with real-world preparedness and leave with practical tips for incorporating dynamic elements into your own training programs.
Empower your community or organization by adapting these strategies to accommodate various learning styles, technologies and cultural contexts. Spark lasting improvements in bystander response rates, rescue outcomes and overall public health resilience. Embrace an approach that transforms hesitant bystanders into prepared and confident responders. Contribute to creating a culture of readiness where every second matters—and where each individual can make a difference.
Coming Soon
Special Populations
2:25 PM – 3:15 PM
First Night in the ER: Creating an Immersive Learning Escape Room for Resuscitation Skills
- Jonathan Stoeckle ACLS, BLS, TNCC & ATCN
Interdisciplinary Learning for CPR Education: A Star Wars®-Themed Approach
- Santiago Martínez, PhD
The study that will be presented aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an interdisciplinary CPR education project, integrated into the school curriculum and themed around Star Wars® involving foreign language, music and physical education. Participants were 5th-grade students from a public school in Galicia, Spain.
Come and learn how an interdisciplinary, themed educational project for CPR training is feasible, effective and highly engaging for both students and teachers. Additionally, we will discuss the relationship observed between physical fitness, endurance and CPR performance, highlighting the importance of strength and stamina in effective resuscitation.
How Data Drives Social Media Strategy and Gamification of CPR+AED for Community Outreach
- Lin Zicheng
The surveys’ results over the years showed a change in public attitudes and highlighted gaps in terms of knowledge. We use this data to conceptualize our yearly social media campaign.
In 2024, we came up with the concept of the AED Man, to show that AEDs may look tough but are easy to use. In 2025, we rehashed an AED Hunt social media contest, which previously ran in 2021, but featured different brands of AEDs that can be found in public. These campaigns help raise public awareness about AEDs and how to use them.
Come and hear how we developed community outreach roadshows and gamified CPR & AED components, including showing the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack, chest preparation, and locating Public Access AEDs. Learn how roadshows can help you engage the public and give them hands-on experience of CPR & AED.
General Session
3:25 PM – 4:15 PM
Striving to Optimize Survival: A Tale of Two Communities
- David B. Hiltz
- Robert B. Dunne, MD, FACEP – Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine Wayne State University
- Dr. Susan B. Davis, DNP, MSN, RN, EMT-P - Resuscitation Education Manager
- Brandon Oto, PA-C, FCCM - Critical Care Physician Assistant
This session will offer practical insights and inspiring examples that participants can relate to and apply within their own communities. By highlighting recent achievements and exploring effective partnerships, education efforts, and funding strategies, this session aims to deepen understanding, foster new collaborations, and motivate attendees to implement impactful HEARTSafe initiatives.
Special Populations
3:45 PM – 4:15 PM
Tele-Resuscitation: AI-powered Medical Extended Reality Innovation to Improve Cardiac Arrest Survival
- Dr. Rahaf Assil – Founder, PantridgeDTell Corporations
The overall innovation in this presentation is called Tele-Resuscitation. This creates efficient interactions between responders, caregivers, ambulance, hospitals and other medical environments involved in cardiac arrest chain of survival in out-of-hospital or in-hospital setting. This is the path to digitalize acute interventional medicine. The unique connection between cardiac arrest and the presenter is genuine interest and authentic knowledge. Dr Assil is a mid-career scientist who has dedicated her early career years to researching and learning about the strengths and weaknesses in cardiac arrest care. The future is MXR which is a cost-effective solution to many evidence-based relevant clinical and systematic problems in emergency medical services, rural acute cardiac care, and invasive interventional cardiology. All of those are contributing factors to cardiac arrest and its outcomes.
Dr Assil special interest in research is in Artificial intelligence, 3D and extended reality informatics, Ethics of AI and extended reality in real world clinical diagnostics and therapeutics in cardiac arrest and preventive cardiology.
A Next Generation Automated CPR Device
- Dr. Norman Paradis - CPR Therapeutics Inc.
We will highlight why prior device developers' focus on simplicity (KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid) led to inadequate solutions that neither pump sufficient blood nor protect patients from harm. In contrast, CPR Therapeutics introduces a precision medicine approach to resuscitation, allowing providers to escalate interventions in a stepwise fashion: beginning with a thoracic module, adding an abdominal counter pulsation module when needed, and employing a sternal kick module for the most refractory cases. We will demonstrate how circumferential compression—rather than traditional pistons—can generate higher blood flow without causing skeletal injuries, representing a fundamental shift in resuscitation technology.
Finally, we will discuss one of the most exciting aspects of the system: integrated and optimized defibrillation, where the device itself applies active pressure on defibrillation pads precisely during countershock to maximize electrical success. For patients who do not achieve return of circulation in the field, we will explain how the system is designed to deliver them to E-CPR centers in a vastly more salvageable condition, with over 90% fewer rib fractures. Let’s start reframing the way in which we think about automated resuscitation!
Special Interest
4:25 PM – 5:15 PM
Firefighter Down CPR: Reducing Time to CPR and AED Use
- Eunice "Nici" Singletary, MD
An Overview of the Comprehensive Military Cardiac Arrest Program (MiCAP) & Survivor’s Story
- Marc Franzos, MD
911, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
One Province, One Goal: High-Performance CPR for All
- Ryan Lee – Paramedic Research Team Lead, Alberta Health Services
Through research, collaboration and training, the province built a strategy to enhance resuscitation efforts. Symposiums spread the message, and by 2023, a “train the trainer” model equipped instructors. These trainers then delivered hands-on HPCPR training to over 7,000 frontline responders. Calgary and Edmonton Fire, AHS EMS, EMS contracted service providers and Medical First Responders all played a key role in this transformation.
Explore Alberta’s journey from data-driven insights to large-scale implementation. Discover how collaboration and dedication turned a vision into reality. Gain key takeaways to strengthen resuscitation efforts in your own system.
Enhance your AED Registry Through Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations Ladder Programs in One Month
- Megan
Tailored to Suit: Emergency Airway Management Training for the VHA-Wide Ambulance System
- Jessica Feinleib – Veterans Health Administration
- Dr. Art French – National Faculty, VHA
- Charles Longley – Paramedic, VHA
- Sabrina Braithwaite – EMS Medical Director, VHA
EAS is an Emergency Airway Service or a Multidisciplinary Airway Response Team. EAS airway managers face different challenges than inpatient clinical services providing emergency airway management care. The paramedic and EMT team are frequently isolated and lack the supporting systems found in the hospital setting. Therefore, the protocols and procedures for EAS Airway management must be robust to overcome all possible contingencies and clinical challenges.
The SimLEARN OOORAM program directly addresses these challenges through a blended learning approach that combines eLearning modules, hands-on task trainers and simulation-based activities. Simulation-based education, now a cornerstone of healthcare training, has been shown to improve clinician confidence and skill proficiency. By immersing participants in realistic scenarios, the OOORAM course fosters a culture of safety, enhances interprofessional teamwork and prepares providers for the complexities of airway management.
Through the standardized OOORAM course, the VHA staff develops and demonstrates competencies specific to their roles on the airway management team, enabling them to provide optimized clinical care during emergent airway events. The program is designed to close critical knowledge and skill gaps for providers performing urgent and emergent airway management outside the operating room and enhance their ability to recognize and respond to potential failures.
Community Strategies & Survivorship
4:25 PM – 5:15 PM
Seconds to Save: How AED Access and Bystander Action Saved My Life
- Joe Ellis (SURVIVOR)
The presence of an AED at the site, combined with the willingness of those around him to act, was crucial to his survival. The AED was on hand, but it was locked in a building. Fortunately, Joe had an AED in his raft and was able to receive a shock in time, giving him the best chance for survival. Without these life-saving tools and responders, the outcome would have been very different. Joe’s experience inspired him to become a strong advocate for better public access to AEDs. As a high school PE teacher, coach and father, as well as someone who has guided whitewater rafting trips across three continents for nearly three decades, Joe understands the importance of preparedness in outdoor settings. He is now dedicated to ensuring more public spaces — such as gyms, stadiums, parks, campgrounds and wildlife areas — are equipped with AEDs. These high-traffic areas where emergencies can happen at any time, are crucial places where lives can be saved.
The 4 Minute Community: How Innovative Communities are Empowering Citizens to Save Lives
- Meir Berkman – Avive Solutions
Nova Scotia Canada Automated External Defibrillator Placement Optimization: What We Have Learned
- Mike Janczyszyn – Advanced Care Paramedic
We will not bore you with study results, but we will show you how we use data and mathematical modeling (in a cool way) to show why every region should be discussing AED optimization strategies and why we should be shifting our thinking about AED placement.
Resuscitation Education
4:25 PM – 5:15 PM
Project Community LIFESAVER, a Model for a Citizen Responder Network Bridging Health Disparities
- Dr. Ankur Doshi - Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh
Improving CPR and AED Education by Tailoring Education to Community-Specific Needs for Muslim Learners
- Maha Shoaib – Compress and Shock Foundation
Implementing Culturally Competent CPR Trainings
- Kristin Alexandria Chiaberta - Project Coordinator at the Center for Cardiac Survival
‘one size fits all’ model of CPR trainings, which does not take into account local or community context.
Since 2023, CCAS has provided free, non-certification CPR trainings for communities in our region (Southwestern PA). In order to ensure the highest participation and uptake of knowledge, we have focused on performing trainings that are adapted with each serviced community in mind. In particular, our staff collects data regarding the participants’ age range, gender, religious beliefs, background and life experiences, language preferences and music choice as we schedule an event. We discuss with the event organizers their goals and needs. We then tailor the training to the participants’ preferences. At times, our trainings add skills not usually taught in traditional courses or even remove skills from the ‘standard’ training. Additionally, we attempt to bring a diverse group of trainers made up of students, staff and health care providers to each training.
The session will describe our process and checklist to develop culturally appropriate CPR trainings. We will then use cases to help the audience work through the process and barriers to an effective training based on community context.
Breaking the Stigma: Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Gender Disparity
- Abigail Worth - Product Management Team, Cardio Partners
Special Populations
4:25 PM – 5:15 PM
Double Sequential Defibrillation (Update 2025)
- Bryan M. White, MD, FACC, FASE, RPVI
Bystander CPR rates and dispatcher-assisted CPR play crucial roles in improving survival rates, yet these interventions are often underutilized. The availability of public access defibrillation is another critical factor, as it significantly enhances survival chances when used promptly. Clinical data and systematic reviews of interventions such as VC/DSED (ventricular cardioversion/defibrillation and extracorporeal shock wave therapy) provide insights into improving resuscitation outcomes.
The bottom line is that we need improved strategies to overcome defibrillation refractory VT/VF.
Elevating Care: The Future of mCPR Innovation in Excellence
- Dr. Bridgid Joseph, DNP, RN, CCNS
The COE not only addresses barriers to LUCAS implementation but also cultivates a supportive network among healthcare leaders. As participants share their experiences and insights, they build lasting relationships that extend beyond the program, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Graduation from the COE marks a significant milestone, celebrating not only the completion of the program but also the enduring connections formed throughout the journey. Participants leave equipped with practical tools and a robust support system, empowering them to drive successful LUCAS device rollouts in their respective hospitals.
The COE exemplifies Stryker's commitment to innovation in healthcare, demonstrating how community building can enhance patient outcomes. By creating an environment of transparency and collaboration, the COE serves as a model for future initiatives, inspiring greater engagement and effectiveness in the use of life-saving technologies.
Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations
4:25 PM – 5:15 PM
Delivering Bad News: Can we do better?
- Thomas Greenhalgh – National Public Safety Solutions Inc.
We’ve all been the recipient of bad news in our lives. Personal or professional, getting bad news is a part of life. Whether a minor inconvenience or a life-altering event, how the person that delivered the message has the potential to stay with us and further cast a negative impact beyond the original event.
Having a life-long career in public safety, the presenter has had to take on the role of being the person giving such news many times. Each event and setting is unique and requires a solid assessment of the situation and people involved. Education on this topic has been historically minimal despite it being commonplace in our worlds, especially in the resuscitation community. Bad news is unavoidable.
No one wants to be the receiver of bad news. Using case examples, this presentation will explore ways to minimize the negative impact of delivering the news poorly. We will also look at methods that make the delivery the best it can possibly be.
Delivering bad news is part of our lives – personally and professionally. We owe it to those receiving it to learn to do some in a kind, caring, and compassionate way. This presentation will begin that discussion and provide tips on how to do so effectively.
Stress Reduction in and after Emergencies
- Jamie V. Pitner – San Diego Va Medical Center
Saturday, December 6
General Session
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Welcome and Introductory Remarks
General Session
8:30 AM – 9:20 AM
AI in Action: Transforming Every Link in the Chain of Survival
- Tom Rea, MD, MPH
- Michael Sayre, MD
- Jacob Sunshine, MD – Research Scientist, Google
In this forward-looking session, Jake Sunshine, Thomas Rea, MD and Michael Sayre, MD discuss how artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical but poised to transform resuscitation. From detecting cardiac arrest through wearable sensors to enhancing dispatcher accuracy and delivering real-time, physiology-guided care, AI can potentially strengthen every link in the Chain of Survival. Grounded in rigorous science and practical implementation, this talk will challenge assumptions, share cutting-edge breakthroughs, and inspire a reimagined future where AI can help us save more lives.
Each of three experts will present for about 12-13 minutes on one aspect of how AI agents will improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest. That will be followed by a Q&A session.
General Session
9:20 AM – 10:10 AM
Leveraging SCA Systems of Care: The Art and Science of Making a Difference in Time Sensitive Emergencies
- Panel Facilitator: Ed Racht, MD
- Panel of Experts
What can we learn and leverage from effective preparation and response to all of life's time sensitive emergencies such as stroke, myocardial infarction, drug overdose, anaphylaxis, choking, drowning, and uncontrolled bleeding. What can we, as a Citizen CPR community, learn from our colleagues who have revolutionized their preparation & response to these events?
CASS Program Chair Dr. Ed Racht will facilitate an expert panel to discuss the art and the science of building a system, motivating communities and demonstrating performance when it really matters.
Joining Ed will be inspirational healthcare legends Hilary Gates and Bob Davis who will describe their game-changing initiative, “Six Minutes to Live."
Because lip service alone doesn’t save lives…
Special Interest
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
One Heartbeat: Collaborative Advocacy for a HEARTSafe Singapore
- Joanne Su – Singapore Heart Foundation
- Muhammad Firdaus Sapii – Singapore Heart Foundation
- Lin Zicheng – Singapore Heart Foundation
In this session, SHF will showcase its multi-sectoral approach to increasing community resilience. Learn how strategic collaborations with government agencies such as SportSG are integrating CPR+AED training into sports safety initiatives, ensuring that athletes, coaches, and sports officials are equipped with essential lifesaving skills. Discover how corporate partners, including Changi Airport Group, are leading the charge in workplace preparedness, making cardiac emergency response a priority in high-footfall areas.
Community-driven efforts play a crucial role in improving survival rates, and SHF’s partnerships with community first responders demonstrate how powerful testimonials and support attract more volunteers to step up to save lives. Through the Community First Responder Club, individuals are empowered to take immediate action when cardiac emergencies occur, strengthening grassroots preparedness.
Additionally, cardiac arrest survivors are using their experiences to create lasting impact. The Cardiac Arrest Survivors Club is a testament to the power of advocacy, as survivors-turned-advocates share their stories to raise awareness and inspire action.
Attendees will gain insights into SHF’s efforts in fostering a heart-safe community through collaborations across various sectors. By sharing best practices from Singapore’s local context, this session offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from real-world experiences. Whether you’re involved in lifesaving advocacy, training, or community engagement, join us to explore how partnerships can help strengthen response capabilities and promote a culture of readiness and resilience.
Improving Care and Outcomes for Canadians: A National Cardiac Arrest Framework and Action Plan
- Katie White – Heart and Stroke Foundation
The Canadian context of cardiac arrest includes particular complexities:
- Our health care is delivered by thirteen independent systems, managed provincially and territorially, as well as federal health care services for certain population groups. This creates both challenges and strengths in developing national solutions.
- Quality cardiac arrest care is influenced by groups outside of the traditional health care system, including municipalities, schools, sports organizations, non-paramedic first responders, and community mental health services.
- Lay responders and families can be traumatically impacted by cardiac arrest and yet our systems focus almost entirely on the person having the arrest
- Our country is undergoing a reconciliation process to redress the past and ongoing harms inflicted on our Indigenous populations.
- And our unique and vast geography creates different challenges for our dense urban centers and our vast rural and remote communities, both in cardiac arrest response and long-term recovery.
The Heart & Stroke Foundation has a strong history in addressing resuscitation and is a trusted national voice giving us a unique opportunity to bring people together. We know we cannot do this alone and that it will take our collective strengths and talents to drive change. We do this for all those impacted by cardiac arrest: in-hospital, out-of-hospital, adults, pediatrics, families, bystanders. For all.
The National Research Agenda for Post-Crash Care
- Craig Goolsby, MD, MEd, MHCDS, FACEP – Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
911, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
Introducing CARES PRIME: Program for Resuscitation Improvement, Modernization, and Expansion
- Michael J. Carr, MD, FACEP, FAEMS - Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Emory University
By integrating data from CARES, PRIME identifies gaps in response and implements targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes. This initiative harnesses the power of collaborative quality improvement, empowering EMS agencies, 911 centers and community responders with evidence-based training and performance feedback.
Empowering EMS: Enhancing Cardiac Arrest Care Through Access to Critical Information for Families
- Sachin Agarwal, MD – Associate Professor of Neurology, Columbia University of Irving Medical Centre
Introduced at the 2023 Cardiac Arrest Survival Summit, Heartsight is a multilingual, online resource designed to connect families, survivors and lay rescuers to trusted information grounded in clinical research and real-world experiences. Co-created by a diverse North American team of clinicians, researchers, patient-family stakeholders, lay and professional responders, Heartsight fills a critical gap in support and education for those affected by cardiac arrest. A randomized controlled trial tested the feasibility, acceptability and usability of Heartsight among families of cardiac arrest survivors at Columbia University Medical Center. It revealed that providing information helped reduce uncertainty, emotional distress and caregiver burden.
Learn about the design of a pilot initiative; how participating agencies are customizing the intervention, and how impact will be measured through innovative web-based analytics and qualitative research methods. We will explore how this pilot may also support EMS providers by alleviating moral injury, particularly when faced with poor outcomes and pronouncing death. Additionally, we will explore how this model could be adapted to other medical emergencies.
Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
ECMO & Impella Story
- Rick Armijo (Survivor)
- Tiffany Daykin-Armijo (co-Survivor)
The session will include a firsthand account of the day everything changed—the moment of Rick’s cardiac arrest, the immediate response, and the lifesaving actions of bystanders and emergency personnel. The presentation then delves into the survivor’s perspective, addressing the physical, emotional, and neurological challenges post-arrest, along with the rehabilitation process and long-term recovery.
Recognizing the increasing role of medical technology in cardiac arrest survival, Rick and Tiffany will discuss their experience navigating complex medical decisions, including the use of ECMO and Impella. They will offer insights into understanding these advanced interventions from a survivor’s standpoint, providing valuable context for both medical professionals and fellow survivors.
A key focus of the presentation is the importance of immediate response, CPR training, and the role of technology in increasing survival rates. The speakers will emphasize the critical need for public awareness, rapid intervention, and community systems that facilitate lifesaving measures.
As advocates for survivor and family support, Rick and Tiffany will share lessons learned, the need for increased CPR and AED education, and the importance of mental health resources for both survivors and co-survivors. Their journey underscores the power of sharing personal experiences to inspire change and encourage others to take action in preparedness and post-arrest care.
The session will conclude with an open Q&A, providing a space for discussion, resource sharing and connection to survivor networks. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of cardiac arrest survival and the lasting impact it has on patients, families and communities.
Outcomes From the Largest ECMO Center in the US and “Only Mostly Dead” ECPR expansion
- Kim Harkins - Masters of Public Health, BS Education
Accelerating ECMO Initiation: Practical Strategies to Reduce Delays
- Kristin Irwin Crouse - Certified Clinical Perfusionist, Masters of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
You will learn how protocols were expanded to include areas within our institution beyond the catheterization lab and OR. This session will provide a comprehensive review of the program presented by subject matter experts.
Community Strategies & Survivorship
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
Community CPR in the Rural Setting — A Philosophical, and At Times, a Physical Challenge
- Kostas Alibertis – Paramedic/ Educator, Uva Health, Western Albemarle Rescue
It Takes a Village — Strategies to Reduce Time to Defibrillation in Rural Communities
- Teri Watson – Chair of Community Heart Watch
A cardiac arrest in Perry County is almost always a death sentence. In fact, some townships have not had a cardiac arrest survivor in over a decade. In addition to lengthy EMS response times, factors contributing to the low survival rate is a lack of “rescuer mindset” due to scant CPR training resources, long-held beliefs that it is better to wait for medical professionals to arrive, fear of hurting someone, lack of awareness of Good Samaritan laws and a sparse population with less people available to respond. In addition, there are very few AEDs due to cost and limited places to house AEDs. Come and hear the details of our multi-faceted approach to address these challenges and how you can do the same in your region!
Equitable Implementation of Prehospital Obstetric Life Support Training in Rural/Low-Resource Areas: Challenges and Solutions
- Dr. Andrea Shields – Associate Professor and Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program Director in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Connecticut Health
Obstetric Life Support (OBLS) is a validated training program designed to improve prevention, recognition and treatment of most maternal medical emergencies that lead to cardiac arrest and death. The curriculum employs instructor-led simulation-based mastery learning to educate and evaluate prehospital (e.g., EMS and first responders) and hospital-based healthcare workers (HCWs) on the: (1) common causes of maternal death, (2) recognition of early warning signs of maternal deterioration and prevention of further decompensation, (3) interdisciplinary management of maternal cardiac arrest and post-arrest care, and (4) best practices related to teamwork and debriefing skills and communication to family members following a critical maternal event.
OBLS training has thus far been predominantly limited to high-resource settings with access to optimal resuscitation resources. Rural and underserved communities often face constraints (e.g., financial, workforce shortages, underdeveloped infrastructure) that have implications for evidence-based health practice translation. To address this, we conducted a nationwide survey (n=122) of healthcare administrators and HCWs in rural and other low-resource settings to explore multilevel factors influencing OBLS implementation, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). This session will describe the evidence base for OBLS, highlight its distinctions from other obstetric emergency trainings and share findings on implementation challenges and solutions. A panel discussion with OBLS developers and trainers will follow to engage the audience in dialogue around practical applications and next steps.
Empowering Communities: Deploying Self-Directed Hands-Only CPR Training Kiosks
- Richard Shok – Founder and CEO of Code One Training Solutions
Resuscitation Education
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
From Crisis to Confidence: VHA’s Naloxone Training Revolution
- Katie Schultz, PhD– Physical Therapist
The VHA’s approach goes beyond training, it’s a blueprint for transformation. We’ll unpack the nuts and bolts with educational toolkits and hands-on simulations that demystify naloxone administration. These tools inspire action, equipping people to recognize overdose signs, administer naloxone effectively, and navigate post-overdose care with clarity and confidence. VHA will describe its award-winning efforts in this area, including receiving the 2020 John M. Eisenberg National Level Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality Award from The Joint Commission and National Quality Forum for its Rapid Naloxone Initiative and being highlighted as an exemplar for a theory-based approach to mapping barriers to implementation strategies in VHA’s Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) Roadmap for Implementation and Quality Improvement.
For healthcare providers, administrators and advocates, this presentation offers a roadmap to replicate success. It’s about more than skills; it’s about building a movement where anyone can be a lifesaver. Join us to discover how the VHA’s innovative approach is rewriting the narrative on opioid overdoses, one trained responder at a time.
Impacts of Opioid Overdose Education During Community CPR Classes
- Courtney Schwerin O’Reilly - Executive Director of Illinois Heart Rescue (ILHR)
Through a survey conducted among CPR class participants, this study evaluated the impact of incorporating opioid overdose recognition and Naloxone administration training into standard community CPR instruction. Findings reveal that a significant majority of participants felt confident in identifying an opioid overdose and administering Naloxone, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach. By bridging this gap in community preparedness, the initiative serves as a model for enhancing emergency response and reducing fatal opioid overdoses.
This session will discuss the study’s methodology, key results, and the broader implications of expanding opioid response education within CPR training programs. Attendees will gain insight into how targeted education can improve bystander intervention rates and strengthen overall community resilience. The presentation will also explore strategies for scaling similar initiatives to increase public engagement and access to life-saving interventions.
The session will be led by Courtney Schwerin O’Reilly, the Executive Director of Illinois Heart Rescue (ILHR). With a strong commitment to improving survival rates for OHCA, Courtney has dedicated her career to advancing equitable access to emergency care. Her work prioritizes addressing disparities in minority and women's health outcomes, as well as advocating for rural communities disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis. She has led numerous initiatives focused on overdose prevention, partnering with community-based organizations to promote awareness and provide vital education.
Ventilate to Resuscitate: The Critical Role of Ventilation in Opioid Overdose Resuscitation
- Dr. Nichole Berge – North Fork Special Service District
Compare real-world outcomes using different ventilation strategies, including standard bag-valve masks and flow-regulating safety devices. Review data that supports the need for airway-first thinking in both layperson and EMS response. Engage in interactive case scenarios, polls and video comparisons that bring the science to life.
The presenter, Nichole Berge, brings a unique perspective as a firefighter/paramedic, EMS educator, and doctoral researcher in higher education leadership. With over 15 years in EMS and a passion for improving prehospital training, she combines real-world field experience with evidence-based instruction. Her current research explores innovative training strategies and protocol implementation that actually stick.
If you're involved in resuscitation, EMS education, or public health, this session will challenge your assumptions and give you tools to improve outcomes. You’ll walk away with practical strategies you can teach, train and apply in the field right away.
Special Populations
10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
Investigating Barriers to Calling 911, Performing CPR, and Using an AED in Spanish Speaker Communities
- Dr. Jack Perkins – Compress and Shock Foundation Dr. Charles LeNeave – Medical Student, Virgina Tech Carilion school of Medicine Dr. Brian Meier – Emergency Medicine Clinic, Virgina Tech Carilion School
Our research highlights the barriers in just one of many marginalized learner communities and will challenge the audience to rethink how CPR/education is constructed and delivered. By presenting our research and our educational model that was constructed as a result of the research, we intend to inspire our audience to consider how they can effectively engage marginalized communities around the world.
Coming soon
Special Interest
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
Expanding Your HEARTsafe Program Bandwidth: Leveraging the Train-the-Trainer Program for Middle and High School Teachers
- Megan
The Marathon Behind the Moments That Matter: Training for the Seconds That Save Lives (HEARTSafe)
- A.J. Fandrich – Richland Fire & Emergency Services
Survival Rates in MN HEARTSafe Communities – Does it Make a Difference?
- Kim Harkins – Program Director, University of Minnesota Center for Resuscitation Medicine
911, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
Waiting for EMS — Does Law Enforcement LUCAS Deployment Impact Outcomes?
- Kim Harkins – Program Director, University of Minnesota Center for Resuscitation Medicine
Little Patients, Big Impact: The PECC Academy
- Theresa Walls, MD – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- John Erbayri – Manager for the Center for Life Support Education & Outreach at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- James Randolph III, BS, NRP – Senior Life Support Educator
- Ian Stoddart, BS, EMT-P – Senior Life Support Educator
Little Patients, Big Impact: The PECC Academy is an interactive session to empower ED and agency leaders to elevate pediatric emergency care provided through successful PECC training. Our multidisciplinary team, led by a Pediatric Emergency Medicine physician and national expert in pediatric readiness, includes a veteran pediatric ED nurse educator as well as senior Paramedic Educators with over 100 combined years of experience in the field. In our PECC Academy, we share the science behind best practices and propose an evidence-based curriculum for PECCs to take to their teams.
This curriculum incorporates a mixed modality training method including limited lecture, case-based scenarios, video-based training, and task training that can be adapted to various clinical environments and delivered in a brief, two-hour session. Join us to engage and collaborate with ED and EMS agency leaders on how to improve emergency care of your littlest patients via the PECC Academy.
Strategies to Equip Law Enforcement with Lifesaving AEDs: Two Full Neurological Recoveries in Week One
- JoAnna Kamppi - Chief of EMS, Eugene Springfield Fire
Hospital: Clinical Challenges & Innovations
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
Impact of Feedback Devices on CPR Performance: A Comparison Between Critical and Non-Critical Care Nurses
- Thatiane Facholi Polastri, PhD, RN
You will learn how we conducted the study and the results.
Time Flies: A Focused Effort to Reduce STEMI Reperfusion Times at Critical Access Hospitals.
- Megan
You will learn how we reduced Door-to-Door-to-Reperfusion/Balloon (D2D2B) times by implementing a clinical education program and protocol for rapid air medical transport. Join us to discuss how implementation of this approach saves valuable time. Time is muscle!
Community Strategies & Survivorship
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
It Happened at My Kid's School: Why Every School Needs a Cardiac Arrest Plan
- A.J. Fandrich – Firefighter and Paramedic with Richland Fire & Emergency Services
Join the Huddle: How the Huddle for Hearts Program is Engaging with Athletes & Students
- Julie Walker – Peyton Walker Foundation
Huddle For Hearts® empowers athletes and students to invest in the heart health and safety of their own communities. Our team works with partners to create awareness campaigns, fundraising campaigns and educational opportunities relating to SCA awareness, prevention and response.
We will describe ways to partner with Huddle for Hearts® including a unique partnership with a College of Pharmacy to provide CPR & AED training for coaches/leaders, players and parents. Learn how you can work with your local contacts at schools, youth groups and other organizations to create Huddle for Hearts® campaigns locally — in an effort to place AEDs, provide CPR training and assist with CERP implementation.
Cardiac Arrests on College Campuses: Improving Awareness and Response with Collegiate EMS Organization
- Dr. Joshua Glick – Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
We will then talk about ways that both college based agencies and the National Collegiate EMS Foundation have strived to improve cardiac arrest awareness and care on college campuses, including through the development of the HeartSafe Campus designation.
Resuscitation Education
11:35 AM – 12: 25 PM
Utilizing High-Fidelity Simulation to Improve Preparedness for Sports Emergencies
- Dr. Joshua Glick – Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Through the lens of a recently developed training exercise in conjunction with a professional hockey team, we will discuss the process and utility for implementing a higher-fidelity simulation program to help improve preparedness and comfort should these emergencies arise. After covering the rational and logistics of such programming, we will end by discussing ways to implement such an activity at a smaller and less expensive scale.
CPR Instruction for Access and Functional Needs Communities
- Loralee Olejnik - EMS Community Educator, Falck
Special Populations
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
Coming Soon
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To receive your Cardiac Arrest Survival Summit CE certificate, please complete a survey for each qualifying CE session in the CASSummit mobile app. Open the app and tap the CE Surveys, Conference Evaluation button on the home screen.
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CE surveys will remain open in the CASSummit mobile app until Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. Questions? Please reach out to info@citizencpr.org.
Don’t get hooked by those phishing:
Book directly within our Summit room block for the best rooms and rates.
We have had some wholesalers ‘phishing’ with some exhibitors and sponsors, offering to make reservations on your behalf — or even to rebook existing reservations at a promised ‘discount’ rate. In fact, falling for these promises means you you may find yourself with a smaller room, paying for a resort fee, incurring added charges, 100% prepayment requirements, the inability to cancel without hefty penalties, or no actual reservation at all!
We’ve negotiated a great rate at the Town and Country Resort for attendees of the 2023 Summit of only $199 plus tax (that’s a 0% increase over 2021 rates!). We’ve also negotiated with the hotel to waive the daily resort fee and offer a fair cancellation policy if your plans should change. When you book within the room block, it both protects CCPRF from potential losses on room commitments and affords you the assurance of the best rates and rooms available.
Please let us know if you are contacted by a 3rd party – or anyone suggesting they are part of the ‘conference organizers.’ Please feel free to contact us with any questions prior to making a change to your reservation(s).