GRANTS PASS, OR — New data shows that cardiac arrest patients in Josephine County are surviving at significantly higher rates than the national average, thanks in large part to the swift and coordinated efforts of local emergency responders.
According to statistics released this week by the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES), the American Medical Response (AMR) team in Josephine County reported that 14.8 percent of cardiac arrest patients were successfully revived and discharged from the hospital. That figure outpaces the national average of 10.5 percent by more than 40 percent—a notable achievement in emergency medical services.
The data underscores the effectiveness of Josephine County’s pre-hospital care system and highlights how a cohesive emergency response strategy can dramatically improve patient outcomes. From the moment a 911 call is made to the final handoff at the hospital, every step in the chain of survival plays a critical role. This includes early recognition of cardiac arrest by bystanders, rapid dispatch of paramedics, timely application of CPR and defibrillation, and advanced life-saving measures administered in the field.
American Medical Response, which operates in the county under Global Medical Response (GMR), attributes the impressive outcomes to ongoing training, investment in new technology, and a community-oriented approach to emergency services.
In emergency medical care, cardiac arrest remains one of the most time-sensitive and life-threatening conditions. Without immediate intervention, the odds of survival decrease significantly with each passing minute. AMR’s higher-than-average survival rate suggests that the protocols in place in Josephine County are enabling first responders to react with efficiency and precision.
David Mathews, operations manager for AMR Josephine County, emphasized the importance of collaboration across the entire emergency response system. He credited the county’s results not only to EMTs and paramedics, but also to effective coordination with local 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, fire departments, and receiving hospitals.
Though the survival rate increase is statistically significant, emergency responders view it as more than just a number. Each successful resuscitation represents a person who got another chance at life, a family spared from loss, and a community that benefits from keeping its members alive and well.
While cardiac arrest survival remains a national challenge, Josephine County’s progress may serve as a model for other regions. Continued education around CPR, greater public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and community engagement in emergency response awareness could further improve survival odds.
Looking forward, AMR Josephine County plans to maintain its focus on refining response times, enhancing training, and working closely with local health systems to ensure that this momentum continues. The data released by CARES validates that their efforts are making a measurable difference in the fight to save lives in one of the most critical moments a person can face.