STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 

Whereas, the Empire State recognizes that good cardiovascular health is a key component of a long, productive life and, in that regard, all New Yorkers are proud to support observances that raise awareness about such critical health issues as heart disease, which affects men, women, and children of every age and race in the United States, and it continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States; and

Whereas, sudden cardiac arrest usually occurs in adults and results from an abnormal heart rhythm, and tragically, a large proportion – about 95 percent – of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before they arrive at the hospital; and

Whereas, annually, approximately 325,000 deaths due to coronary heart disease occur out of the hospital or in the emergency room and, in 27.4 percent of cases of cardiac arrest, the victim receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a bystander; prompt delivery of CPR more than doubles the victim’s chance of survival by helping to maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain, increasing the amount of time that an electric shock from a defibrillator can be effective; and

Whereas, an automated external defibrillator (AED), even when used by a bystander, is safe, easy to operate, and highly effective in restoring a normal heart rhythm, significantly increasing the chance of survival for many victims if used immediately after the onset of sudden cardiac arrest; and

Whereas, in accordance with Section 140 of the Public Buildings Law, New York State has taken measures to begin the phased-in implementation of an AED Program in more than 40 statewide office buildings and state-operated facilities, which requires that each be equipped with an on-site cardiac AED and, furthermore, that application of the law follow specific regulations outlined in Part 303 of Title 9 of the NYCRR, as promulgated by the State Office of General Services; and

Whereas, training in CPR and the proper use of an AED is invaluable, as death or severe brain injury is likely to occur unless resuscitation measures are started no later than ten minutes after the onset of sudden cardiac arrest; the interval between a 911 telephone call and the arrival of Emergency Medical Services personnel is usually longer than five minutes and high survival rates are therefore dependent upon on a public trained in CPR and AED use; and

Whereas, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and the National Safety Council are sponsoring a public awareness and training campaign for CPR and AED use during the first week of June, and New York State joins to support this effort to promote one of the most effective and potentially life-saving emergency procedures available today;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim June 1-7, 2009 as

CPR-AED AWARENESS WEEK

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-sixth day of May in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor

Lawrence Schwartz
Secretary to the Governor