Cardiac Arrest Victim Expresses Gratitude for Successful Chain of Survival
Dan Clarahan of Wisconsin will be back in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, March 21st to thank everyone involved in his successful recovery from cardiac arrest.
Clarahan was involved in a motor vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 30 near the Kirkwood Boulevard exit in Cedar Rapids on December 3rd at 1:14 p.m. The car accident was the result of a medical issue in which Clarahan suffered cardiac arrest. The chain of survival, which refers to a series of actions that reduce the mortality associated with cardiac arrest, was put into motion beginning with bystanders who stopped at the accident and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to Clarahan, who was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Police officers arrived on scene, continued CPR and administered a shock from a defibrillator. Firefighters and Area Ambulance Service personnel arrived and continued advanced life support. Clarahan’s care continued with the work of the emergency room staff, cardiology team, and intensive care staff at Mercy Medical Center that ultimately resulted in Clarahan being discharged from the hospital after little over one week. Clarahan did not suffer any neurological deficit as the result of the cardiac arrest incident.
Cedar Rapids is fortunate to have many successful cardiac arrest saves thanks to the cooperation and seamless care provided by first responders and area health care professionals.
Clarahan will be reuniting with many of the individuals involved in his recovery, including the bystanders who stopped and rendered aid, Cedar Rapids police officers and firefighters, Area Ambulance Service personnel, and Mercy Medical Center staff. The media is invited to learn more about this incident and the chain of survival that is necessary for positive outcomes for victims of cardiac arrest.
The event will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21st in the Community Room at the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, 701 10th Street SE.
Speakers will include:
- Michelle Omar, Sergeant, Cedar Rapids Police Department
- Keith Rippy, Chief Executive Officer, Area Ambulance Service
- Dr. Amandeep Dhaliwal, Cardiologist, Mercy Medical Center
- Daniel Clarahan, cardiac arrest survivor
Chief of Police Wayne Jerman and Fire Chief Mark English will present Certificates of Recognition to the bystanders who provided care.
Clarahan and others involved with the continuum of care will be available for interviews following the presentation.
