County EMS reports higher than average pre‑hospital cardiac arrest survival; new ambulance delivered

An emergency‑services director told the Lawrence County commissioners on Wednesday that the county’s 2024 CARES (Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival) data show higher‑than‑average pre‑hospital return‑of‑pulse rates and that the county has received another new ambulance ordered earlier.

The director reported there were 182 pre‑hospital cardiac arrests in 2024 and that 79 patients had pulses restored before arriving at the hospital, a 43.5% return‑of‑pulse rate. The director noted the national average return‑of‑pulse rate cited was about 29–30 percent and commented, “when I stand here and say we have some of the best, we really do.”

The director also said one of four previously ordered ambulances has been delivered and is available for commissioners to inspect after the meeting.

Commissioners received the report; no further action or budget request was recorded in the meeting minutes.