New Resource Available: Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest – Case Studies from the Southwest Region

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains one of the most time-critical medical emergencies in modern health care. 

Despite decades of research and operational improvements, survival rates continue to vary significantly between communities.

In January 2026, representatives from fire-rescue departments, emergency medical services agencies, and regional health care partners convened as experienced experts in cardiac arrest response. The purpose of the meeting was to examine current challenges and share successful campaigns that have strengthened community response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest across North Texas.

Participants shared operational insights, data-driven strategies, and community engagement initiatives designed to improve early recognition of cardiac arrest, increase lay responder CPR, expand public access to defibrillation (AEDs), and enhance coordination across the chain of survival.

This white paper synthesizes those discussions into practical recommendations for EMS systems, public safety agencies, health care leaders, and policymakers seeking to strengthen cardiac arrest survival in their communities.

Click here to view and download “EMS with Heart Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Case Studies from the Southwest Region“.