To Arlington Board of Selectmen - October 17, 2009
The January 3, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine reports that defibrillation in under 2 minutes is 39% successful. Defibrillation over 2 minutes has a 22% success rate. Obviously, faster is better.
Arlington typically responds to medical emergencys in 5 to 7 minutes. Sometimes it takes 10 to 15 minutes for medics to arrive.
Possible improvements could be - dispatch fire, police, and medic units simultaneously instead of sequentially - improve and intensify dispatcher training - GPS / AVL for all units to improve data and response - single medics on patrol in cars or on motorcycles (the London UK model) - public safety officers - police medics - more prevention efforts.
Thank you for your attention
Peter Szerlag 4 Winslow St 1104 Arlington MA