SCA Foundation Workshops

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation hosted several educational sessions during the Citizen CPR Foundation's 2012 Emergency Cardiovascular Care Update, which are summarized below.

Coming to Terms: Emotional Aspects of Being a Survivor

Thursday, September 13 | Speakers: Chris Solomons, Jeremy Whitehead, Kelly Sawyer, MD & Louis Sabat, EMT-P; Facilitator: Mary Newman, MS

How do survivors and relatives deal with the aftermath of their resuscitation? The emotions are complex and reactions can differ significantly from person to person. Hear from survivors and their families as they share their experiences, the ways in which they coped, and how they eventually thrived.

View slide presentation here.

Life After Death: What SCA Survivors, Families and Friends Understand--and Healthcare Practitioners Need to Know

Thursday, September 13 | Speakers: Samuel Sears, PhD, Mary Newman, MS & Jeremy Whitehead

Unfortunately, it's an exclusive club: On average, only 8% of SCA patients survive. They and their loved ones must adjust to a dramatic new family dynamic. Learn about the "life after" for SCA survivors, including the effects on relationships and family, unexpected places to find support and healing, and an overview of the National SCA Survivor Network(TM).

To view slide presentation, see attachment.

Clinical and Psychological Aspects of Near-Death Experiences: An Interactive Discussion with SCA Survivors

Friday, September 14 | Speakers: Sam Parnia, MD & Mary Newman, MS

Throughout the ages, people of all cultures have wondered what happens after death. The slow but encouraging growth of a community of sudden cardiac arrest survivors provides fertile ground for exploration of this sensitive topic. Are near-death experiences an illusion or illumination?

View slide presentation here.

The National SCA Survivor Network: A Program of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

Friday, September 14 | Speakers: Mary Newman, MS & Jeremy Whitehead

The Joint Commission has released a landmark monograph addressing community-based efforts for the treatment and follow-up of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Meeting the Challenge is targeted to healthcare professionals who care for cardiac patients, including those who survive SCA. “The National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Network™: A Program of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation,” is featured in the publication. The Survivor Network, the nation’s first online community of SCA survivors, facilitates peer communications and support, awareness and advocacy initiatives, and research. 

View slide presentation here.