As recently reported in the Post Star, health officials say the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest is less than 1 percent in many rural areas. However, access to automated external defibrillators dramatically increases survival odds.  In light of stressed emergency resources, the article reports that some neighborhoods rely on a network of people who own defibrillators or emergency oxygen to help others when needed.

http://www.poststar.com/articles/2008/07/13/news/local/13631939.txt