LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has officially proclaimed June 1–7 as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week, joining a national effort to spotlight the importance of lifesaving bystander CPR and AED use.

Each year, more than 7,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in Los Angeles County — most often in homes. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival, making early intervention critical. This weeklong initiative aims to empower community members with the skills and confidence to act quickly during a cardiac emergency.

“Every second counts when it comes to cardiac arrest,” said Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who authored the motion. “By learning CPR and how to use an AED, our community becomes the first line of defense in saving lives. This week is a reminder that anyone can step up and make a difference. When we know what to do and act quickly, we protect our loved ones and neighbors. I encourage everyone in Los Angeles County to get trained and help create a safer community.”

“This week is incredibly important. We highlight the value of learning bystander CPR, a key step in the chain of survival for cardiac arrest” said Doctor Nicole Bosson, Medical Director for the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMS). “It takes only a few minutes to learn and triples the chance of survival when performed during that critical interval until EMS arrives. With nearly 8,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in LA County each year, imagine the number of lives we can save if every person in Los Angeles has this life-saving skill.”

The Board of Supervisors encourages all residents to take advantage of free training
opportunities and become a part of LA County’s life-saving network.