First responders representing the Cosumnes Fire Department, Elk Grove police, Galt police, Wilton Fire Protection District and Sacramento Regional Fire/EMS Communications Center gather for a photo Oct. 20 recognizing those who helped give 16 people a second chance following a cardiac arrest. Photo courtesy of the Cosumnes Fire Department

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - When someone's heart stops, survival often depends on what happens in the next few minutes. In the communities served by the Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Department, more cardiac arrest patients are surviving, and the department is recognizing the people whose quick actions and teamwork are helping give them a second chance at life.

In 2025, 18 people survived cardiac arrest in the Cosumnes Fire service area. Of those, 16 survived with strong neurological outcomes, allowing them to return to their lives with no or moderate deficits. Overall survival reached 13.7%, up from 6.5% in 2022 and above the 2025 national benchmark of 10.5%.

Behind those numbers are bystanders who started CPR, 911 dispatchers who guided callers and sent help, police officers who began lifesaving care, firefighter-paramedics who provided advanced emergency medical care, and hospital teams who continued treatment and post-cardiac arrest care.

Two-year old Paige, who survived a drowning-related cardiac arrest in July, is greeted by part of the team of first responders who helped save her life. Photo courtesy of the Cosumnes Fire Department

"Every survivor represents a team of people who were ready to act when seconds mattered," said Felipe Rodríguez, fire chief for the Cosumnes Fire Department. "No one person or agency does this alone. Someone calls 911. Someone starts CPR. Dispatchers, police officers, firefighters and hospital partners each build on the care that came before them. When that teamwork comes together, people have a chance to return home to their families."

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Cosumnes Fire brought members of those teams back together and gave several survivor families an opportunity to thank the people who helped save their lives. Among them was the family of a 2-year-old girl who made a full recovery after a drowning-related cardiac arrest earlier this year. 

"That night was terrifying, but because of the response of the dispatchers, fire, EMS and the police officers, my daughter made a full recovery," the girl's mother said as she stood on stage with her two young daughters.

The recognition was held during Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, observed each October to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and the importance of knowing how to respond.

Emergency medical professionals call the coordinated sequence of lifesaving actions the "chain of survival." For nearly a decade, Cosumnes Fire has worked to strengthen each step in that chain. 

The department's EMS education team provides ongoing training with 911 dispatchers, law enforcement officers, fire personnel and other regional partners so lifesaving care can begin quickly and continue as additional responders arrive. Cosumnes Fire also uses High Performance CPR, a coordinated team approach that emphasizes high-quality chest compressions with as few interruptions as possible. 

A lay person learns hands-only CPR on a CPR mannequin and how to use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, from a firefighters/paramedic. Photo courtesy of the Cosumnes Fire Department

That work extends to the community. When someone collapses suddenly from cardiac arrest, CPR provided by a family member, friend or stranger can keep blood flowing until paramedics arrive. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival, according to the American Heart Association. 

"For years, we have focused on strengthening the entire response, from the person who witnesses a cardiac arrest to the professionals who continue that care," said Jason Scofield, assistant chief of EMS for the Cosumnes Fire Department. 

"Training together helps us work together when every second counts. But that response can start with anyone. Learning CPR gives people in our community the ability to step in and make a difference before help arrives," Scofield continued.

Community members can learn how to help at a free hands-only CPR class hosted by Cosumnes Fire at Station 73, 9607 Bond Road, Elk Grove, on Jan. 30. Participants may drop in between 10 a.m. and noon for a 20-minute lesson covering the essential skills for responding to a cardiac emergency.

The free sessions require no prior experience and are held throughout the year at rotating Cosumnes Fire stations. Learn more at CosumnesCSD.gov/CPR. 

When cardiac arrest happens, the person standing nearby may be the first chance someone has for survival.