Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department ranks among nation’s best after reporting exceptional cardiac arrest survival rates in 2025 data release
Coral Springs, Florida – The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department is being recognized among the nation’s top-performing emergency medical service agencies after newly released 2025 cardiac arrest data placed it in the top 10% nationwide, highlighting strong survival outcomes and unusually high community involvement in life-saving efforts.
According to the CARES Registry report, the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department responded to 72 cardiac arrest resuscitation attempts in 2025 and recorded a 23.6% survival-to-discharge rate. That figure is more than double the national average of 10.5% and significantly higher than Florida’s statewide average of 13.1%.
Fire officials say the results reflect a combination of advanced training, coordinated response, and consistent investment in equipment and preparedness. In a statement, Fire Chief John Whalen credited multiple teams working together behind the scenes and in the field.
“These results reflect the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department’s commitment to excellence through continuous training, advanced lifesaving equipment, and the dedication of our firefighter-paramedics, medical directors, police officers, and dispatchers,” Fire Chief John Whalen said in a statement.
Beyond survival-to-discharge numbers, the department also showed strong performance in other critical measures. Officials reported a 31.9% sustained return of spontaneous circulation rate, which reflects patients whose heartbeat was restored and maintained long enough for hospital care. That figure exceeds both state and national averages.
The report also found a 13.9% rate of good neurological outcomes, meaning nearly one in seven patients survived cardiac arrest with brain function intact. That outcome is almost double the national benchmark, underscoring the importance of rapid intervention and coordinated emergency response.
One of the most striking findings came from situations where bystanders played an immediate role before emergency crews arrived. The department recorded a 70% survival rate in bystander-witnessed cardiac arrests involving shockable rhythms. Even more notable, survival reached 75% when bystanders performed CPR or used an automated external defibrillator (AED) before paramedics arrived on scene.
Officials say those numbers highlight a key factor beyond emergency response alone: public readiness. In Coral Springs, community training and access to emergency equipment have become central to improving survival outcomes.
The city reported a 45.8% bystander CPR rate, which exceeds both state and national averages and reflects ongoing public education efforts. In addition, public AED use was recorded in 42.9% of eligible cases, showing that residents are increasingly willing and able to take action during life-threatening emergencies.
To support those efforts, the city expanded access to life-saving tools in 2024 by installing 30 outdoor cabinets containing AEDs and bleeding control kits across 10 city parks and outside City Hall. Officials noted that these publicly available devices have already been used by civilians during real emergencies, helping bridge the critical gap before first responders arrive.
Emergency officials say these combined efforts—professional response, public training, and accessible equipment—are driving measurable improvements in survival outcomes. While cardiac arrest remains one of the most urgent medical emergencies, the data suggests that coordinated action between residents and first responders is making a significant difference.
As the department continues to build on these results, officials say the focus remains on maintaining high training standards, improving response times, and expanding community readiness programs.
For now, the 2025 report positions the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department as a national leader in cardiac arrest survival, reflecting what officials describe as a system where preparation, technology, and public participation work together to save lives.
