Statistics show that people who live in rural communities live three years less than people who live in urban areas and death rates from heart disease and stroke are noticeably higher among rural residents.
Across rural America, health experts say factors such as ambulance shortages and hospital closures add to access problems for patients, leading to poorer outcomes.
Tim Nikolai with the American Heart Association notes rural populations are 40% more likely to develop heart disease. He says that’s why his organization is working with small towns to build a network of lifesavers for when a rural resident experiences a heart attack.
“Are the people and the organizations around them prepared to respond with effective CPR? With utilization of an AED? And kind of just having that entire system in place.”
The Heart Association is working with state health officials to make its Cardiac Ready Communities Program more accessible in South Dakota. Municipalities that apply for the designation are given tools to evaluate gaps in getting residents trained and fitting buildings with the proper equipment. Kimball and Plankinton are two towns in the state that have been certified through the program.
Nikolai says schools should also be a major priority for any readiness planning.
“There’s dozens or hundreds of students there, day in and day out, there’s dozens of staff members, there’s often parents and other volunteers visiting during the school day. And then you think about athletic events and community events that are often housed in schools.”
Nikolai says schools should not only make sure staff are trained, but also make sure automated external defibrillators are placed in visible locations and are accessible after hours. He says churches, food pantries and community centers are other places to add to a readiness plan.
Local leaders wanting to pursue a certification can contact the state health department. The Heart Association also has details on its website, where communities and businesses can build their plan.
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