Bookmark & ShareSurvivors of sudden cardiac arrest are a unique group of people. They have a perspective on life that is unique. Most of them were just enjoying their lives and "suddenly" they found out why it is called "sudden" cardiac arrest.
Having cheated the grim reaper, many survivors find themselves experiencing a variety of different feelings about the experience. Some are simply happy to be alive; some have heightened emotional responses; some are concerned that they are among the 5% who survived; some had very unique near-death experiences; some want to talk; some think what they are feeling is not normal; some struggle with depression; some feel a need to give something back to society.
In an effort to help meet some of these needs, the Rochester Police Department supports and collaborates with the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association and the Minnesota Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Network.
Minnesota Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Network
If you have survived a sudden cardiac arrest and would like to connect with other survivors, you should contact the Minnesota Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Network regarding meeting times and locations. You can also connect with survivors on a one-on-one basis if you just want to talk to someone who might really understand what you are going through. This is not a professional counseling service but simply an offer of an empathetic ear. Many survivors find a nearly instant and unconditional bond of friendship when they meet.
The Minnesota Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Network also reaches out to anyone impacted by sudden cardiac arrest who might want to help survivors or to help advocate for early defibrillation or sudden cardiac arrest related issues. If you want to help stop sudden cardiac death in Minnesota, this is the group for you.
You can also call the Minnesota Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Network at (763) 370-5750 or through the Rochester Police Department at (507) 328-6904.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association is the informal "parent" of the Midwest Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors' Network and the successor organization of the former National Center for Early Defibrillation. If you are a cardiac arrest survivor or are interested in working to stop sudden cardiac death on a national level please visit www.suddencardiacarrest.org for more information.