Abstract 4144566: Building CPR/AED Confidence through Community Volunteer Prevention Screening Sessions: The Impact of the Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation

Introduction: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains a leading cause of death among young individuals, often occurring without prior symptoms. Public confidence in recognizing SCA warning signs, understanding risk factors, and using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is generally low. The Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation addresses this gap by offering free cardiac screenings and educational sessions. This abstract evaluates the foundation's impact on participants' confidence in these critical areas. Goals: The primary objectives were to enhance participants' confidence in identifying SCA warning signs and risk factors, performing CPR, using AEDs during cardiac emergencies, and communicating youth heart health concerns to healthcare providers. Methods: Volunteer-led prevention screening sessions were conducted, incorporating educational components on SCA warning signs, risk factors, and hands-only CPR and AED training. Post-session surveys were administered to 1,123 participants to assess their confidence levels in these areas. Results: The screening sessions significantly increased participants' confidence. Specifically, 96% of participants reported heightened confidence in recognizing SCA warning signs and understanding risk factors. Additionally, 94% felt more assured in discussing youth heart health with providers. Confidence in performing CPR during a cardiac emergency rose to 92%, while confidence in using an AED reached 89%. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the sessions in empowering individuals with essential life-saving skills. Conclusions: The Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation's prevention screening sessions are highly effective in improving participants' confidence in recognizing SCA warning signs, understanding risk factors, and using CPR and AEDs. The substantial increase in confidence levels underscores the importance of community-based education and training programs in reducing SCA-related fatalities among youth. These findings support the need for ongoing and expanded initiatives to further enhance public health outcomes and preparedness for cardiac emergencies.