NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 1998

CARY FIRE & 911 RECOGNIZED FOR

LIFESAVING EFFORTS

CARY, NC -- The Town of Cary’s Fire Department and 911 Telecommunications Center have received special recognition from the Wake County Emergency Medical Services for saving lives from sudden cardiac death in the 1996-1997 calendar years. The award is unique because it recognizes "first responders" whose patients not only get to but actually walk out of the hospital following an emergency cardiac event. The recognition came during last night’s regular Town Council meeting.

"First responders are a critical link in our effort to save lives," said Joe Zalkin, Wake Co. EMS Assistant Director. "Countywide, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in survivorship of sudden cardiac death, up from 2 percent before such programs to now nearly 10 percent where such programs have been implemented."

Cary established its early defibrillation program in 1996 which includes special medical training and equipment for first responders, enabling them to bring a defibrillator, or "shock box", to the patient’s side and getting urgent medical assistance to them 2-10 minutes earlier than what might otherwise happen if patients had to wait for an ambulance to arrive.

"This is a tremendously important program in Cary," said Assistant Town Manager Ben Shivar, "and we’re very proud of our staff for making such real a difference in the lives of our citizens."

This is the first time Wake EMS has given the annual award. Other area agencies receiving similar recognition include Cary Area EMS, Raleigh/Wake 911, and the City of Raleigh’s Fire and EMS departments.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS: Chief Wayne House, Cary Fire, 460-4056

Joseph Zalkin, Wake Co. EMS Asst. Dir., 856-6021

Ben Shivar, Assistant Town Manager, 469-4003

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951