Escambia County EMS Encourages Learning CPR as New Year's Resolution

The New Year is here, and Escambia County EMS is encouraging residents to make learning CPR a top resolution for 2026.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is an emergency life-saving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Knowing CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association. CPR helps keep blood flowing in the body, extending the opportunity for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrive.

“As the Medical Director of Escambia County, I can say with full confidence that our EMS system has never been stronger,” Dr. Benjamin Abo said. “We are restoring pulses after a cardiac arrest at a higher rate than ever before. This success does not begin with EMS; it begins with the person who knew and performed CPR. This New Year’s, make a resolution that truly matters. Learn CPR and how to use an AED. You can be the difference between life and loss.”

Escambia County EMS has more than quadrupled the success rate for getting a pulse back after cardiac arrest, jumping from 9.2% to 43.4% this year. The significant increase in the success rate is a result of the implementation of updated resuscitation protocols, which have been implemented at all levels of Escambia County EMS. 

View Dr. Abo's message on making learning CPR and using an AED a top New Year's resolution here.