Why Puget Sound is Leading the Nation in Cardiac Arrest Survival — and How You Can Help

When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, survival depends on what happens in the first few minutes — before professional help arrives.
A recent Seattle Times article spotlighted this critical truth: the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest hinge on whether someone nearby knows how to respond.

Across the United States, the statistics are sobering. According to the American Heart Association (AHA):

  • Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting.
  • Nearly 90% of those cases are fatal — often because immediate help isn’t available.
  • Every minute without CPR or defibrillation reduces a person’s chance of survival by 10%.

But here, in the Puget Sound region, the story is different — thanks to you.

Through decades of leadership in emergency medicine, a community trained in lifesaving skills, and a coordinated emergency response system, Seattle and King County consistently achieve cardiac arrest survival rates nearly double the national average.

At the heart of this success is Medic One Foundation — strengthening every link in the chain of survival.

How Medic One Foundation Makes a Difference:

  • Funded the launch and expansion of the PulsePoint Responder and PulsePoint AED apps in King and Snohomish Counties — alerting trained volunteers when someone nearby is in cardiac arrest and mapping the nearest public AEDs.
  • Offers free and certified CPR and First Aid classes to individuals, businesses, and community groups across King County — ensuring more people are ready to act when it matters most.
  • Invests in the next generation of paramedics and first responders through world-class training, research, and innovation.

Every life saved begins with a bystander willing and able to help — and through your support, we make sure more people are prepared every day.

Why It Matters

Most cardiac arrests happen at home — when only loved ones or neighbors are there to help.

Even in public places, ambulance response times average 7 minutes or more. Immediate bystander CPR and AED use can double or triple a person’s chance of survival — but nationally, fewer than half of victims receive help before EMS arrives.

Here in King County, it’s different.

Thanks to decades of training, public awareness, and community investment, over 70% of cardiac arrest victims in King County receive bystander CPR — one of the highest rates in the world.

That’s why our survival rates are nearly double the national average — and why continuing to train, empower, and equip our community is so critical.

Be Part of the Life-Saving Difference

Because of you, when seconds count — help is already on the way.