2003 Assembly Joint Resolution 13
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: declaring February 2003 American Heart Month in Wisconsin.
Whereas, cardiovascular disease is the nation's and Wisconsin's leading cause of death; over 18,000 Wisconsin residents die from cardiovascular disease annually; and
Whereas, one in 5 Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease; and
Whereas, approximately 250,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest each year; and
Whereas, up to 80% of these deaths occur in the home; and
Whereas, the research is clear that there are tools available to increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest, including immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs); and
Whereas, effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after a sudden cardiac arrest, can double a victim's chance of survival; and
Whereas, for every minute that goes by without defibrillation, chances of survival decrease 7% to 10%; and
Whereas, efforts of the American Heart Association encourage citizens to help save lives by learning the signs of sudden cardiac arrest, calling 9-1-1 if they occur, being trained in CPR, and encouraging comprehensive AED programs in their communities; and
Whereas, the American Heart Association is celebrating February 2003 as American Heart Month with the theme, "Get Hands On and Help Save a Life" and promoting education and awareness by encouraging citizens to learn CPR with just a few hours of training; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature, in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease, proclaims February 2003 to be American Heart Month in Wisconsin and urges all citizens to recognize the critical importance of acquiring the tools and skills necessary to help increase survival rates from cardiac arrest and to recognize that by encouraging family members, friends, and coworkers to do the same, we can save thousands of lives each year.
