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Medical and EMS leaders press Senate to fund Ohio Cares registry to boost bystander CPR and survival
Summary
Physicians and EMS officials asked the Senate to fund Ohio Cares, the state CARES cardiac arrest registry, saying current bystander CPR rates in Ohio lag and statewide surveillance plus local outreach can save lives at modest cost.
Medical and emergency‑care leaders asked senators to fund Ohio Cares — the statewide out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest registry that collects data on bystander CPR, AED use and patient outcomes — arguing a small state investment could materially increase survival rates.
Dr. Justin Benoit, chairman of Ohio Cares, told the committee that cardiac arrest occurs roughly 30 times a day in Ohio and that survival from out‑of‑hospital arrest is only about 10 percent statewide. "Ohio is third worst in the nation at performing bystander CPR; only 33 percent of victims receive help before EMS arrival," he said, adding that a funded statewide registry links data collection to targeted training and community outreach.
Witnesses said Ohio Cares currently receives only $25,000 per year from the state and faces funding shortfalls; the presented amendment (s_c_0137) would appropriate funds for Ohio Cares to expand measurement and bystander CPR programs. Dr. Benoit estimated additional funding could save an estimated 100 more Ohioans a year by increasing bystander CPR through training, public AED placement and community programs.
Ending: Committee staff will review the proposed amendment and supporting letters from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and EMS leaders; witnesses urged support as an evidence‑based public health intervention with measurable outcomes.
