FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cardiovascular Associates of the Delaware Valley Personally Demonstrate Commitment to Saving Lives from Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Burlington County Doctors Purchase Personal AEDs to Support “Save a Life” Initiative

The American Heart Association estimates that 40,000 lives could be saved each year in the U.S. if automated external defibrillators (AED) were more widely available. If a person suffering from cardiac arrest is defibrillated within one minute, his chance of survival is 90%; however if just 10 minutes pass, his survival rate drops to two percent. That’s why all 24 physicians in Cardiovascular Associates of the Delaware Valley (CADV) have purchased an AED.

The purchase is part of the CADV Save a Life Initiative (SALI) in Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. The initiative emphasizes community outreach and public education on the topics of sudden cardiac death and available therapies.

Pictured here are members of CADV with a personal AED: (L-R, front row) Sanford Gips, M.D., of Moorestown, George Kaddissi, M.D., of Moorestown; (L-R, middle row) Mark Gelernt, M.D., of Moorestown, Richard Dickstein, M.D., of Medford; (L-R, back row) Kartik Giri, M.D., of Moorestown, Vijay Verma, M.D., of Mt. Laurel, and Jeffrey Leavy, M.D., of Moorestown.

“The purchase of AEDs by all of our physicians makes a nationally unprecedented statement that we are committed to this lifesaving technology,” said Sanford Gips, M.D., FACC, chairman of SALI. “We are showing the community that this equipment is easy to use and affordable so that many people who are at risk for heart disease should consider having it in their homes, and of course in public institutions and community recreation facilities.”

CADV members are offering a free seminar on Sudden Cardiac Arrest, including CPR and home defibrillator training. Attendees will receive a CADV CPR kit, including gloves, a breathing barrier, and CPR instructions. Additional information on AED purchasing and CPR certification will be available. In addition, one attendee will win a Medtronic AED, which will be donated to a non-profit of the winner’s choice. Refreshments will be served.

AEDs are designed to allow minimally trained people to respond to cardiac emergencies. The devices are pre- programmed to analyze the heart’s electrical function and provide a brief but powerful electric stimulation to the heart, which interrupts the abnormal rhythm and helps restore the natural rhythm. When used properly, AEDs pose no risk to the rescuer or patient.

Cardiovascular Associates of the Delaware Valley (CADV) is a physicians group providing complete cardiovascular care to patients.