March 26, 2008–PITTSBURGH­–The SCA Foundation has established an annual award program to honor "ordinary" people with extraordinary heroic spirits who help save the lives of victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The People Saving People awards will recognize members of the public whose lifesaving actions have made the difference between life and death for SCA victims.

The purpose of the program is to increase awareness about the critical need for laypersons to be prepared to intervene in sudden cardiac emergencies.

Awards include:

First place: One (1) automated external defibrillator (AED), which may be donated to the organization of the winner’s choice;

Second place: Free admission to the Emergency Cardiac Care Update, sponsored by the Citizen CPR Foundation, June 13-15, 2008, Las Vegas;

It was June 6, 2005 and hairdresser Lisa Byers, 41, was giving a skin care presentation to women at an insurance agency in Temple, Texas. “Suddenly I sneezed and I just did not feel well. I excused myself, flipped out of my chair and just fell over,” she said.

There was an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the premises but meeting participants did not feel comfortable using it. They called 9-1-1 and paramedics arrived seven minutes later. After four shocks, she was resuscitated. They brought her to nearby Scott White Memorial Hospital.