SGHD Strategy for Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest 27 March 2015 Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) welcomes the launch of the latest SGHD Strategy for Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest. CHSS worked in partnership with the government and other stakeholders to produce the strategy which will save more than 1000 lives by 2020. Although the primary aim of the Scottish OHCA strategy is to increase survival, a key theme is rehabilitation and aftercare, recognising that care extends beyond the period of hospitalisation. That’s where CHSS comes in, supporting a network of affiliated heart groups across Scotland where people who have survived a cardiac arrest or have experienced heart disease, can speak to others in similar circumstances. CHSS Cardiac Manager Wendy Armitage said, “We know that there is much more to be done in this area. People who survive cardiac arrest often have specific needs such as social and psychological, however these needs are not being identified and addressed. Family and peer support is crucial for these patients, so our affiliated heart groups are a fantastic resource in the community.” CHSS Advice Line nurses can give information and advice about a range of cardiac conditions and can also signpost people to a range of appropriate support services.