Grand Junction Fire Department is proud to announce that its cardiac arrest survivability rate surpasses both state and national averages. In 2023, GJFD responded to over 17,000 emergency medical calls, 102 of which involved patients experiencing cardiac arrest. Of these patients, 12 were resuscitated and ultimately discharged from the hospital with little to no impact on their overall health. Today at the Phoenix Awards, 58 GJFD personnel will be honored for their lifesaving efforts for these 12 patients.
According to the national CARES (Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival) database, GJFD has a "survival with good cerebral performance" rate of 11.8%, which is notably higher than the state average of 9.7% and the national average of 8.1%. Additionally, the department has achieved a bystander CPR rate of 51%, compared to the state average of 41.2%.
These impressive statistics reflect the dedication and expertise of GJFD's EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters, as well as the critical role played by bystanders, dispatchers, and law enforcement officers.
"We are incredibly proud of our team's commitment to excellence and their lifesaving efforts," said GJFD EMS Chief Mark McIntire. "Our higher-than-average survivability rates are a testament to their hard work, as well as the importance of immediate bystander CPR, which can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival."
For more information contact the Community Outreach Office at 970-549-5800 or by email at GJFirePIO@gjcity.org.