Monterey Park, California: Fire Chief Cathleen Orchard to conduct a press conference announcing the launch of Monterey Park’s Heart Safe Program (Public Access Defibrillation) on January 27, 2009, 10:30 am. at Langley Senior Citizen Center, 400 West Emerson Avenue; Monterey Park.

Monterey Park’s Heart Safe Program is the first direct community health program to be implemented by the Fire Department to help victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Monterey Park. This program will provide placement of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the community and implementation of a Citizen CPR/AED Training Program. Monterey Park averages about 4-6 incidents of Sudden Cardiac Arrest per month. Victims have ranged from less than 10 years old to 90 years old and beyond. It has afflicted both men and women.

The press conference will kick-off the implementation of this program but also educate and emphasize to the community the critical need to know CPR skills. Included will be recognition of the numerous organizations, residents, and businesses who made this program possible in addition to the Heart Safe Fundraising Campaign’s key promoter, the Monterey Park Woman’s Club. The Monterey Park Woman’s Club representative, Mrs. Pauline Lemire, has been very instrumental in making the Heart Safe Fundraising Campaign a success and has actively promoted this campaign since its inception.
Chief Orchard commented, “While fundraising for this health program continues, the issue of providing early medical intervention is a critical aspect in the survivability of victims in Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The shorter the time from collapse to defibrillation, the better the chances of survival. While I hope no one ever needs to use a defibrillator, providing access to one in the community, beyond airports, bus stations, and fitness centers provides an opportunity for a life to be saved.”

For more information about the Heart Safe Campaign, contact Lillian Bow, Principal Management Analyst at (626) 307-2557.