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The task force has identified three priority focus areas for the 
first year: 
1.	Improving CARES reporting and participation by hospitals 
and EMS
2.	Creating additional community CPR training hubs
3.	Supporting local schools, student athletics, and community 
settings by promoting awareness and planning around 
Cardiac Emergency Response Plans, education and 
resources. 
“Findings from our local CARES data have been the driving force 
behind the development of the Alabama Sudden Cardiac Arrest 
Task Force. Through this data, we have identified critical gaps 
in bystander response to cardiac arrest, including the provision 
of CPR and the use of AEDs,” said Ryan Coute, D.O., Assistant 
Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Alabama 
at Birmingham and Task Force chairperson. “We have also 
pinpointed the highest risk locations, allowing us to implement 
targeted community interventions. Our group recognizes the 
power of CARES and has prioritized expanding participation 
throughout the region as one of our initial goals. We are excited 
about the path forward and remain committed to saving lives 
across Alabama through impactful, data informed initiatives.”
Learn more about Alabama’s SCA Task Force.
Figure 2. Bystander CPR in the metro 
Birmingham, AL area, CARES 2018-2024.
Figure 3. Bystander AED use at public 
locations in the metro Birmingham, AL 
area, CARES 2018-2024.

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