Congratulating and commending the American Heart Association on its Nationwide Initiative - "Operation Heartbeat."

WHEREAS, The American Heart Association documents that nearly 700 Americans die daily, totaling 250,000 yearly deaths, from sudden cardiac arrest; and

WHEREAS, The Congress recently passed the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act to decry these figures and to institutionalize important safeguards to improve survival rates; and

WHEREAS, The American Heart Association estimates that 20% of the victims of sudden cardiac arrest could survive if elements of a "chain of survival" strategy were in place; and

WHEREAS, In addition to early access to emergency services and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, immediate defibrillation can guarantee a higher survival rate; and

WHEREAS, "Operation Heartbeat" of the American Heart Association will place automated external defibrillators, a small compact easily managed device, in state and federal buildings, for immediate response to instances of sudden cardiac arrest; and

WHEREAS, The American Heart Association will provide free of charge the automated external defibrillator with the appropriate training and instruction tot he staff and employees of public and private organizations; therefore

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Congratulate and commend American Heart Association on its energetic campaign to save lives through "Operation Heartbeat."

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the City Council of Philadelphia accept the donation of an automated external defibrillator from the American Heart Association for placement at City Council and authorize the necessary instruction and training in it's use for members of Council and their staff.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Pennsylvania Delaware Affiliate of the American Heart Association as an expression of the gratitude of this legislative body.

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