About

The Starting Hearts Story

Starting Hearts™ was formed in 2010, three years after its founder, Lynn Blake, suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Vail Village on Valentine’s Day. She was an otherwise healthy 27- year-old when her heart stopped without warning. Due to the quick intervention of bystanders, who dialed 911, performed CPR and used an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), she became one of the very lucky 8 percent to survive SCA. Now, her calling is to increase the odds for others who are suddenly stricken through the efforts of Starting Hearts.

SCA is the leading cause of unexpected death in Colorado and around the world; the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation estimates close to 360,000 individuals suffer SCA annually – roughly 1,000 per day. The mission of Starting Hearts is to save the lives of Sudden Cardiac Arrest victims by providing free CPR and AED education along with reducing the time in which emergency medical assistance is received.  Starting Hearts has three primary programs: CALL. PUSH. SHOCK.™– A free community education program on how to respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.; Nearest AED™–A program focused on increasing AED access throughout Eagle County; and Neighbor Saver™–A 911-aided citizen dispatch/response system.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, better known as CPR or PUSH, is a technique performed to help save the life of someone whose heart has stopped. Responders should PUSH hard (at least 2 inches) and fast (minimum 100 beats per minute) in the center of the chest to maintain blood flow until EMS or an AED arrives.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An Automated External Defibrillator or AED is a portable device that delivers a SHOCK to restart or restore a person’s normal heart rhythm. AEDs save thousands of lives every year; and they are safe, effective and easy to use. In fact, they are so simple, even a 4 year old can do it!