Community leaders, emergency responders and health care partners gathered Nov. 14 at the Cumming Recreation Center to celebrate a cardiac arrest survival made possible through Forsyth County’s participation in the 4 Minute Community Program, a community safety initiative supported in partnership with Northside Hospital Forsyth, the Northside Hospital Foundation, the Northside Hospital Heart Institute and the Forsyth County Fire and Police Department.
The program was created to close the critical gap between the onset of cardiac arrest and the arrival of professional first responders. Using historical data on sudden cardiac arrest in specific communities, the initiative equips CPR-trained citizen volunteers — known as Cardiac Arrest Rapid Engagement (CARE) team members — with Avive Connect AEDs. When a 911 call is received, these volunteers can be alerted and dispatched to emergencies within a one-mile radius through a secure mapping system. The goal is to get an AED on scene faster and begin lifesaving care while emergency crews are en route.
The program’s impact was clearly demonstrated in July 2025, when quick action by community volunteers and first responders — using Avive Connect AEDs — helped resuscitate local resident Vince Warren during sudden cardiac arrest. The save marked a key milestone in community cardiac care and underscored the program’s life-saving power.
“I’m glad I was in the right place at the right time,” said Forsyth CARE Team member CK Villarouel. “All I could think was that I had to try to make a difference. I’d want someone to do the same for me.”
“The 4 Minute Community Program represents a new era in cardiac emergency response, and Northside Hospital Forsyth is proud to collaborate with Avive and our local partners to bring this life-saving innovation to our community,” said Lynn Jackson, CEO of Northside Hospital Forsyth. “We are grateful for the support of the Northside Hospital Foundation and the expertise of the Northside Hospital Heart Institute as we work to strengthen cardiac readiness across the region.”
The Nov. 14 ceremony honored Warren and Villarouel, who responded and all those involved in the chain of survival. Program leaders and local officials spoke about the impact of the Forsyth 4 Minute Community initiative and its potential as a national model for improving cardiac arrest survival rates.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate this incredible outcome and everyone who played a role in it,” said Sameer Jafri, CEO and co-founder of Avive Solutions. “This milestone in Forsyth County and for the entire 4 Minute Community Program proves what’s possible when leadership and community commitment unite behind one goal. We’re proud that our technology and this program played a part in this lifesaving story and look forward to continuing to support Forsyth’s efforts to create many more lifesaving stories for families across their community.”
The event highlighted the growing impact of the partnership between Northside Hospital, the Northside Hospital Foundation, the Northside Hospital Heart Institute and the 4 Minute Community Program, which continues to expand AED access, strengthen rapid response capabilities and enhance community safety across Forsyth County.
Learn more about the Forsyth County 4 Minute Community Program and become a care team member.
Pictured, from left: Jason Grady, NRP, FSCAI, AACC, Northside system manager for emergency cardiac care; Lynn Jackson, CEO of Northside Hospital Forsyth; Katerina Miras, vice president of marketing, Avive Solutions; Jason Shivers, division chief, Forsyth County Fire Department; Vince Warren, received emergency treatment with AED; CK Villarouel, Forsyth CARE team member; and Rory Beyer, president and COO, Avive.
