The Ohio Department of Public Safety and Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services have launched a statewide campaign called Every Minute Counts.

"Sudden cardiac arrest is fatal 90% of the time, unless there is bystander intervention," said Robert Wagoner, Executive Director of the Ohio Division of EMS. "Depending on where you live, it could take anywhere from five minutes to a half hour for first responders to arrive. Bystander care is a crucial first step in the chain of survival."

Its goal is to encourage all Ohioans to learn basic bystander care, according to a news release from the department.

Often, it can take two minutes before people realize someone is suffering a medical emergency. The new campaign aims to educate more Ohioans about sudden cardiac arrest and how intervention helps increase survival rates.

The campaign includes social media posts, debunking myths about hands-only CPR and encourages local EMS agencies to engage with their communities about the importance of intervention.

"Sudden cardiac arrest starts a clock, and with each passing minute, the chance of survival ticks down, Said Gov. DeWine. "You don't have to be a medical professional to help. Anyone can perform hands-only CPR, which buys precious time until medics arrive."

Every Minute Counts will also include survivor stories about their experience with sudden cardiac arrest and how CPR saved their lives.

You can learn more about the campaign here.