Special Events
The Golden Anniversary of CPR Survivor Celebration
To honor the 50 years of modern CPR, we planned a very special series of events. Fifty sudden cardiac arrest survivors attended ECCU to represent each year that CPR has given an extra birthday to them.Special sessions around advocacy and survivor issues were held, the survivors stories were told in a variety of media, and a unique press event was held.
In addition,
an incredible Golden Anniversary Dinner celebrated survivors and rescuers alike on Thursday evening, December 9.
"50 for 50" Golden Anniversary of CPR Survivor Celebration
Presented in association with the UCSD Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center
On Thursday December 9, 50 survivors, their rescuers, and you, joined us for a very special dinner at SeaWorld.
Guests were able to walk the beautiful grounds for rides up the famous SeaWorld Sky Tower, lit as a giant Christmas tree, with spectacular 360 degree views of San Diego. Dinner was held at 8:00 p.m. and featured music and presentations honoring our survivors, family advocates and rescuers.
Part of the proceeds from the dinner benefit the San Diego Project Heart Beat Foundation of San Diego.
The survivor stories can be read here. You can also download a PDF of the celebration booklet here .
CPR Across America Mass Training Event
On December 5, Olympic gold medalist, Peggy Fleming, and just under one thousand San Diegans learned CPR on the deck of the USS Midway Museum when CPR Across America stopped in San Diego. CPR Across America is a national campaign to teach hands-only CPR in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of this lifesaving skill. Hundreds of CPR mannequins toured the U.S., making their final stop in America’s Finest City.
Lifeguard Rescue Demonstration on the Bay
On Friday, December 10, San Diego Lifeguards demonstrated a dramatic and exciting water rescue using boats, jet skis and a helicopter.
San Diego Medical Services Presentation and Tour
Also on Friday, December 10, tours of the unique service (a collaboration between the San Diego–Fire Rescue Department and the Rural Metro Corporation) offered an inside look at the system and the innovations it has inspired. Included was a discussion of San Diego's nationally recognized public access defibrillation program, "San Diego Project Heart Beat."