Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Kicks Off 'You Can Save A Life' Video Awareness Contest On YouTube(TM)

Gearing up for National CPR/AED Awareness Week in June, Contest Focuses on Lifesaving Skills

PITTSBURGH, April 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To celebrate National CPR/AED Awareness Week during the first week of June, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation today announced the launch of its third 'You Can Save a Life™' video awareness contest on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/SCAFoundation).  Students from elementary school through college are invited to write, film, star in and edit their own short (3-5 minute) videos promoting the importance of recognizing cardiac arrest, giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or chest compressions only (cardio-cerebral resuscitation, or CCR), and using an automated external defibrillator (AED). Five winning schools will each receive an AED and CPR Anytime™ Kits, essential equipment for emergency preparedness. The grand prize winner will also receive a Nintendo Wii™ gaming system.

Video entries are due on May 25 and the winners will be announced on June 1. The Foundation's panel of judges will review videos for overall message, creativity, originality, degree of student participation, and likelihood to raise awareness. While technical accuracy is not a primary focus in the judging, one of the objectives of the contest and its prizes is to encourage the development—through awareness, training and confidence-building—of potentially life-saving skills.

"We're challenging students around the country to use their unique talents to create memorable stories that raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest, and can contribute to helping save more lives in schools and communities," said Mary Newman, president of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

For contest details, visit http://www.sca-aware.org/schools/win-an-aed-contest.

About Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. It kills approximately 250,000 people each year in the U.S. alone, more than from colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, auto accidents, AIDS, firearms, and house fires combined.

About the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Foundation is a national non-profit  501(c)3 organization. Its mission is to serve as an information clearinghouse and social marketing force focused on raising public awareness of sudden cardiac arrest, and stimulating attitudinal and behavioral changes that will help save more lives. For more information, visit http://www.sca-aware.org.

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SOURCE Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Foundation