uticalocal.org

Bend Achieves HEARTsafe Community Recognition Amidst Awareness

Staff Report / Bendlocal.org

**Bend Recognized as HEARTsafe Community During American Heart Month**

Bend Fire & Rescue emphasizes the critical importance of acting quickly in cardiac emergencies, noting that every second makes a difference. According to their report, starting CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within the first few minutes of a heart attack or cardiac arrest can dramatically improve a person’s chance of survival.

To ensure timely care, Bend Fire & Rescue collaborates closely with local law enforcement and Deschutes County emergency dispatchers. These partnerships help start life-saving treatment as early as possible, often before first responders arrive on the scene. This proactive approach has contributed to Bend being recognized as a HEARTsafe community, a designation for locations that prioritize cardiac emergency readiness.

A notable example of their teamwork occurred when a local man, Scott, went into cardiac arrest while mowing his lawn. Dispatcher AJ Franzke guided Scott's wife, Janae, through CPR over the phone until medics arrived. This swift intervention saved Scott’s life. Bend Fire & Rescue and Deschutes County 9-1-1 later reunited with the family to celebrate Scott’s recovery and highlight the success of their system.

For more information on how to help save a life and what it means for Bend to be a HEARTsafe community, visit [bendoregon.gov/HEARTsafe](https://bendoregon.gov/HEARTsafe).

Source: Bend Fire & Rescue

Source Type: Fire

Source Location: Bend

Feb 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM

Fire