New Study Shows Remarkable Gains in Cardiac Arrest Survival in King County

A newly published study in JAMA Cardiology confirms what many in our community already know: King County is one of the best places in the nation to survive a sudden cardiac arrest—and it’s getting even better.

Researchers analyzed more than 25,000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from 2001 to 2020. The findings are remarkable:

  • Overall survival to hospital discharge increased from 14.7% to 18.9%.
  • For patients whose heart rhythms were shockable—often the most survivable type—survival jumped from 35% to 48%.

These rates far exceed the national average of around 10%, according to the American Red Cross.

So, what’s behind this success?

According to the study’s authors, including Dr. Thomas Rea and Dr. Owen McBride of the University of Washington School of Medicine, it’s the result of a coordinated, county-wide approach that emphasizes training, research, and quality improvement at every step of the emergency response.

From the moment a 911 call is placed, a highly trained system goes into action. Dispatchers rapidly identify cardiac arrest and coach bystanders in CPR. EMTs and firefighters arrive within minutes with defibrillators. Paramedics follow to provide advanced life support. Hospitals deliver intensive post-arrest care with specialized protocols that continue to evolve.

Perhaps most notably, the study highlights the strength of community-wide collaboration. Law enforcement often arrives first and begins CPR. Public access AED programs are expanding. And more bystanders are stepping up to act—thanks in part to community education efforts supported by donors like you.

This commitment began over 50 years ago with Medic One’s founders, Dr. Leonard Cobb and Seattle Fire Chief Gordon Vickery, who believed we could and should measure, learn from, and improve every resuscitation. Their vision laid the foundation for a culture of accountability and excellence that continues today.

At Medic One Foundation, we are proud to support this work. With your help, we fund the paramedic training program, advance groundbreaking research, and support CPR/AED education throughout our region. And the results speak for themselves.

Thank you for being a vital part of this extraordinary community.

Read the full report here: Temporal Patterns in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Incidence and Outcome | JAMA Cardiology | JAMA Network