Episode 2

full
Published on:

21st Nov 2024

Unsung Community Heroes: An interview with Kevin Knussman

In this episode of SaveHeart Stories, host Dave Fritzsche, founder of SaveHeart by Heart Nation, speaks with Kevin Knussman, a veteran in emergency medical services and founder of Advocates for Early Defibrillation.

They discuss the critical issue of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the importance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and the collaborative efforts in Talbot County, Maryland, to improve community response to cardiac emergencies.

Kevin shares his journey in pioneering advanced life support programs, the role of community partnerships, and innovative initiatives in Florida's Villages aimed at increasing AED accessibility and public awareness. The conversation emphasizes the need for education, advocacy, and the importance of timely CPR and defibrillation in saving lives.

Takeaways

-Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the US.

-AEDs can significantly increase survival rates if used within the first five minutes.

-Community collaboration is essential for effective emergency response.

-Education and advocacy are key to increasing AED accessibility.

-Innovative programs can enhance community response to cardiac emergencies.

-CPR is critical in buying time for AED intervention.

-Public awareness of AED locations can save lives.

-The chemistry of the body deteriorates rapidly during cardiac arrest.

-Engaging local organizations can strengthen emergency medical services.

-Advocates for Early Defibrillation aims to improve access to life-saving technology.

Chapters

00:19 Introduction to Sudden Cardiac Arrest

03:22 Kevin Knussman's Journey in Emergency Medical Services

06:13 Pioneering Advanced Life Support in Talbot County

09:23 Community Collaboration and Resource Sharing

12:02 The Role of AEDs in Saving Lives

18:34 Advocacy and Education for Early Defibrillation

22:25 Addressing Gaps in CPR and AED Accessibility

27:34 Conclusion and Call to Action



Helpful Links:

SaveHeart by Heart Nation: https://www.saveheart.life/

Advocates for Early Defibrillation: https://www.facebook.com/Advocates.4.AEDs

Talbot County Paramedic Foundation: https://www.site.talbotparamedic.org/




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About the Podcast

SaveHeart Stories
Real Life stories of lives saved and changed due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest and the availability of lifesaving AED devices.
The SaveHeart Stories podcast, hosted by Dave Fritzsche aims to shed light on the urgency to equip outdoor sporting event arenas, schools and parks with outdoor defibrillator machines in order to save lives. There are too many stories of unnecessary tragedy in sports with kids of all ages. These stories should inspire us to do something about it, so that there are no more stories to tell.

SaveHeart Stories is brought to you by your host, Dave Fritzsche, AED industry veteran and founder of SaveHeart by HeartNation. Proudly ‘Made in the USA,’ SaveHeart’s highly visible, alarmed, lighted, temperature controlled and 24x7 monitored outdoor cabinets provide immediate visibility & access to lifesaving AEDs, Stop the Bleed Kits, Narcan and other emergency supplies. They are ideal for parks, athletic fields, trails, schools & universities, marinas, business districts, and any outdoor locations where people congregate.

To learn more about how Outdoor AEDs can keep your community safer, call 312-953-6928 or email dave@saveheart.life.

About your host

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