The Glendale Fire Department, Midwestern University (MWU), and Priority One Enterprises have teamed up to launch a community education program to train citizens on a new and easier way to do CPR, called Continuous Chest Compression (CCC-CPR), along with the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These two elements are vital to survival during adult Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), which is the number one cause of death in the U.S.
“Calling 911 and starting immediate, rapid, forceful chest compressions dramatically improves survival,” said Ben Bobrow, M.D., Medical Director for the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. “With CCC-CPR, there is also a greater chance of bystander participation.”
Continuous Chest Compression (CCC), the new CPR for adult Cardiac Arrests, was developed through extensive research at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, and has been championed locally by Dr. Bobrow and showcased nationally on the NBC Today Show with Matt Lauer. CCC-CPR separates itself from traditional CPR by concentrating solely on chest compressions, not breaths, causing the continual circulation of blood through a victim’s brain and heart.
Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick, who worked for years as a fire paramedic, said, “I am excited about the statistics which show improvements made in patient care outcomes due to the implementation of the continuous chest compressions program. Our paramedics now have an added advantage to saving lives in Glendale, with the ultimate goal to train as many citizens as possible in CCC-CPR.”
“A major part of our university mission is community service,” says Ross Kosinski, Ph.D., Dean of Students and Director of Community Outreach for Midwestern University. “Having our team of health care professionals work with the City and Priority One on this new life-saving technique really meets that mission.”
In addition to the CCC-CPR training, this program is geared to take the “fear” out of AEDs, as most people are uncomfortable utilizing these life-saving devices when a situation arises. “We want to get the message out that they are easy to use, safe, and should become the safety standard in businesses throughout Arizona,” said Mike Shabkie, Managing Partner, Priority One Enterprises.
MWU and Glendale firefighters will team up to teach FREE classes to the community at Midwestern University (19555 North 59th Avenue) and the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center (11550 West Glendale Avenue) on the third Thursday of every month beginning November 15th at MWU at 7:00 PM. For more information or a schedule of classes and locations call 623/572-3329 or click here for a flyer (pdf).
Press contacts:
Karen Mattox, Midwestern University, 623/572-3310 or kmatto@midwestern.edu
Daniel Valenzuela, Glendale Fire, 623/930-3409 or dvalenzuela@glendaleaz.com
Mike Shabkie, Priority One Enterprises,

Midwestern University is a graduate degree-granting institution specializing in the health sciences with six colleges: the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Pharmacy-Glendale, the College of Dental Medicine, the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Chicago College of Pharmacy. The Illinois campus, located on a 105-acre site in Downers Grove, is home to more than 1,800 full-time students. The Arizona campus, located on a 144-acre site in Glendale, is home to 1,536 full-time students. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.