HCA Florida JFK Hospital named Comprehensive Resuscitation Center of Excellence

HCA Florida JFK Hospital is proud to be recognized as a Comprehensive Resuscitation Center of Excellence, a statewide initiative launched in 2022, born out of being a primary goal of the Florida Resuscitation Center Committee, a committee formed to develop recommendations on how to increase the survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest.

To achieve this prestigious designation, hospitals must meet rigorous statewide criteria, allowing them to participate as either a Primary Resuscitation Center of Excellence (PRCE) or a Comprehensive Resuscitation Center of Excellence (CRCE). Facilities must self-attest to these standards and reapply every three years to maintain the designation.

Cardiac Arrest remains a leading killer in the Sunshine State as survival rates remain low despite advances in healthcare technology and in medical care. Each year, approximately 350,000 individuals die from cardiac arrest in Florida, and it remains the third leading cause of death in the United States.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our comprehensive cardiac program and our focus on saving lives,” said Ken West, CEO of HCA Florida JFK Hospital. “We bring together a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with the American Heart Association, and engage community partners to increase CPR training and awareness. Working hand-in-hand with local EMS agencies, we’ve built an aggressive, coordinated system of care that extends from the moment of cardiac arrest through recovery.”

Beyond meeting the clinical requirements within the hospital, CRCEs place a strong emphasis on community engagement, training bystanders in lifesaving resuscitation techniques, promoting wellness, and enhancing rehabilitation for cardiac arrest patients, along with providing vital support for their families and caregivers.