Toronto, November 1^st, 2007 – The Heart and Stroke Foundation is partnering with Detroit Red Wings’ Jiri Fischer, the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey clubs to launch a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) awareness campaign in November.

On November 21^st, 2005, Detroit Red Wings defenceman Jiri Fischer’s heart stopped on the team's bench during the first period of a game against the Nashville Predators.  The team physicians, led by Dr. Tony Colucci performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart his heart, an act that saved the life of the 25 year old Czech. 

Two years later, Jiri has not yet been able to resume his NHL playing career – but is happy simply to be alive.  He recognizes that he was fortunate that trained staff were on-hand at the Joe Louis Arena to administer life-saving CPR.  As a result, Jiri has joined forces with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and is a tireless proponent of CPR training and the installation of defibrillators in hockey arenas and public buildings across Canada.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, there are between 35,000 and 45,000 cases of cardiac arrest each year in Canada.  The odds of survival for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are approximately five per cent.  With each passing minute, the probability of survival declines by seven to 10 percent.

“I’m proud to work with The Heart and Stroke Foundation and the National Hockey League to promote awareness of the need for both CPR training and the installation of life-saving AED machines in public places across Canada,” said Fischer.  “Personnel trained in the use of CPR and AEDs saved my life – and training and equipment will save others.  That’s why it’s so important to create cardiac-safe communities everywhere.”

Jiri Fischer will be making personal appearances at tonight’s Calgary Flames home game (Calgary vs Detroit) and on Saturday, November 17 when the Leafs play the Senators.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation is also the exclusive Canadian distributor of the CPR Anytime™ Family&Friends™ kit; a new personal learning program allowing families, friends and the general public to learn or refresh the core skills of CPR for adults and children in just 20 minutes.  The kit contains a DVD, a personal inflatable CPR mannequin and an information booklet.  To order, log onto www.cpranytime.ca  or call 1-888-LAERDAL.

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The Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca) , a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy.

For more information:

Elissa Freeman

416-489-7111 x316