Activities & Events 2006
October 27, 2006 - High school CPR training
On October 27, 2006, Survivors Ray Eyler and Gene Johnson spoke to three classes of students at Century High School. These students are seniors in Century’s medical program. Ray and Gene told their stories and shared their experiences. The class instructor felt they were the perfect inspiration for the students, and would like them to return again next year. 
October 13, 23, 26, 2006 – Community CPR Classes sponsored by North Memorial Hospitals
Several times during October of 2006, Paul Todd, Ray Eyler, and Gene Johnson told their stories to CPR class participants to illustrate the importance of knowing CPR and how to use an AED. The classes were sponsored by North Memorial Hospitals through a Medtronic Foundation HeartRescue grant.
In addition, Ray and Gene were asked to tape their stories so they can be broadcast locally to help encourage people to participate in future CPR training sessions.
October 12, 2006 – Greatbatch Manufacturing
On October 12, 2006, Ray Eyler and Gene Johnson spoke at the company picnic for Greatbatch Manufacturing, a manufacturer of components for implantable medical devices. They shared their stories and knowledge of AEDs with many managers and employees, then traveled to the Bakken Science Museum in Minneapolis to review the Greatbatch contributions to ICD development with the CEO of Globe Tool.
Incidentally, Bret Schmitz, the Greatbatch plant manager, is a fellow Survivor!
September 29, 2006 – Bakken Science Museum
On September 29, 2006, Dawn and Mike Blake, Butch and Sue Gibbs, Fran Lesicko, and Gene Johnson shared their stories with students and other visitors at the Bakken Science Museum in Minneapolis.
The Bakken Museum was founded in 1975 by Earl E. Bakken, inventor of the first transistorized cardiac pacemaker. It is an independent, nonprofit educational institution that collects archival materials related to the history of electricity and magnetism in medicine and the life sciences. It also has lots of fun, hands-on activities for kids!
MSCASN members spoke in conjunction with the opening of a new exhibit entitled “The Electric Heart.”
September 28, 2006 – Second Annual Minnesota SCA Survivor Summit
On September 28, 2006, thirty-three (33) Survivors plus many guests and ambassadors attended the Second Annual Minnesota SCA Survivor (MSCASN) Summit in Bloomington Minnesota. The Summit was held in conjunction with Allina Medical Transportation’s “From the Heart” Cardiac Care Conference. 
The day began with a presentation by Dr. Janis Amatuzio, forensic pathologist and author, entitled, “Knowing the Secrets of Life: True Stories of Death and Life.” Her presentation was followed by several sessions designed specifically for MSCASN members:
- What is the Minnesota SCA Survivor Network and How Can You Get Involved? Presented by MSCASN Board Members Gene Johnson, Michele Sundberg, Steve Johnston, and Jeanne Kalien.
- What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Presented by Mary Tappe, founder of Iowa AED Access for All, and Dr. Charles Lick, Medical Director, Allina Hospital & Clinics.
- How to Educate the public about SCA, CPR, and AEDs. Presented by Craig Reese, EMS Educator from North Memorial Hospital.
- How and When to Contact Your Legislators. Presented by Bradley Peterson, Senior Advocacy Director from the American Heart Association.
In addition to the presentations, we devoted several hours to introducing Survivors and hearing their very moving and inspirational stories of survival. 
Dinner was sponsored by the Medtronic Foundation and the Allina Heart Safe Communities Program. It was a special event held in honor of SCA Survivors. All survivors were introduced, and many were re-united with their rescuers. Pat Emmet, who suffered SCA in an airplane told his amazing story from start to finish, and introduced 7 of his rescuers along the way! In addition, a DVD featuring Survivors was shown.
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August 25, 2006 – Minnesota State Fair
On August 25, 2006, the Minnesota SCA Survivor Network (MSCASN) took part in the Governor’s Fire Prevention Day at the Minnesota State Fair. MSCASN members spent the day in a booth on Fire Engine Alley training fair-goers on how to use an AED. Our booth was featured on the 6:00 KARE 11 news. Gene Johnson (survivor) and Craig Rees (EMS educator) starred in two 30-minute stage shows that featured SCA re-enactments and introductions of the survivors in the audience. The MSP Airport Heart Cart, a portable CPR/AED training station, was also a big hit. All three major networks covered the Heart Cart in local news that day.
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Copyright 2006 Minnesota SCA Survivor Network. All Rights Reserved.
The Minnesota SCA Survivor Network is a program of Olmsted Outreach
