Dr. James Callahan, co-author of Policy Statement on Life-Saving Training for Cardiac Arrest: Even Children Can Help Save a Life

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May 23, 2018, 02:12 ET

PHILADELPHIA, May 23, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cardiac arrest outside of hospitals claims the lives of more than 300,000 adults and more than 6,000 children every year in the United States. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating due to a structural, functional or electrical problem. When cardiac arrest is due to an abnormal heart rhythm, early emergency treatment with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an automated external defibrillator (AED) can help restart a stopped heart and allow return of a normal heartbeat to help prevent sudden cardiac death.

James Callahan, MD, FAAP, associate medical director in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on Life Support Training of Children, Parents, Caregivers, School Personnel and the Public. He says, “Children can be taught to call for help and to operate an AED from a young age. The more we are able to train people in CPR and AED use, the more likely they will be willing to help if needed."

Regardless of the cause of cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, one of the most important predictors of survival is whether the person whose heart has stopped receives high quality CPR from a bystander and how quickly that CPR is provided. The more people who are trained to provide CPR the more likely when cardiac arrest occurs outside the hospital that a bystander will be able to provide this potentially life-saving first aid. Training can be provided to people of all ages.

James Callahan, MD, FAAP, associate medical director in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement on Life Support Training, is available to speak with media. Dr. Callahan, a pediatric emergency medicine physician, has experienced the impact that sudden cardiac arrest can have on a person, a family and an entire community. He says, "Children can be taught to call for help and even how to operate an AED from a very young age. The more we are able to train people in CPR and AED use, the more likely they will be willing to help in the event someone needs those life-saving skills."

The AAP policy statement "Advocating for Life Support Training of Children, Parents, Caregivers, School Personnel and the Public" is published online today and will be appear in the June print issue of Pediatrics. The policy statement is issued in conjunction with National Emergency Medical Services Week, May 20-26, 2018. Pediatric services are highlighted today on EMS for Children Day.

To schedule an interview, please contact Joey McCool Ryan from CHOP'S Public Relations team.

About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu

Contact: Joey McCool Ryan
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
267-426-6070 (office)
[email protected]

SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia