Dr. Andy McCoy has been selected as the new Medical Director for the prestigious Resuscitation Academy Foundation. With a wealth of experience in emergency medical services and a deep-rooted involvement with the Academy, Dr. McCoy brings a unique perspective to this vital role. “We are thrilled to have Dr. McCoy join the team as our new clinical leader” said Ann Doll, Executive Director.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death worldwide, with over 350,000 cases occurring annually in the United States alone. Survival rates vary from less than 5% to 60% depending on the community, so where you live may determine if you live. Immediate and effective resuscitation is crucial for survival, making the work of the Resuscitation Academy Foundation more important than ever. The Foundation is dedicated to improving pre-hospital emergency care and enhancing survival rates through education, training, and research.
Since 2008 the Resuscitation Academy has been committed to helping communities worldwide learn how to develop and implement a concrete plan of action to improve survival. With roots in public health, academic medicine and emergency medical services, the organization partners with the best minds in resuscitation science to develop life-saving training workshops, sharing resources and raising the bar on global resuscitation standards. To date, the Resuscitation Academy has trained 5,600 EMS professionals from 2,000 agencies in the U.S. and globally.
As Medical Director, Dr. McCoy will provide scientific consultation on resuscitation guidelines and research, advise on decision-making, and consult on program content. He will collaborate with academy leadership to refine strategic initiatives and foster a global community of resuscitation professionals. Through new partnerships and educational programs that include the latest advancements, he will also focus his efforts on bridging equity gaps in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest care for underserved populations.
Dr. McCoy has been associated with the Resuscitation Academy (RA) since 2014, starting as an EMS Fellow. The course was transformative for him, tying together his diverse experiences into a cohesive curriculum aimed at improving a system’s ability to care for individuals and their communities. He went on to lead RA programs in cities such as Buffalo, Albuquerque, Atlanta, and Tampa, allowing Dr. McCoy to understand different EMS systems and assist these communities in their growth. “Taking this platform to the next level is an exciting prospect and a challenge I relish. I look forward to the future of the Resuscitation Academy and increasing growth in a sustainable way while maintaining the high standards of the original RA contributors. The opportunity to assist in a key role on this journey is both a privilege and honor to pursue,” said Dr. McCoy.
In his roles as EMS Medical Director at Shoreline Fire Department and with Global Medical Response, Dr. McCoy has demonstrated his clinical expertise and commitment to emergency
care. He also serves as an Attending Physician in the Emergency Department at Harborview Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Washington. He is eager to spread the knowledge he has gained, improve survival rates, decrease disparities, and help communities save more lives.
Dr. McCoy’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Foundation expands its initiatives with an eye on future growth for the organization. Advanced resuscitation workshops in multiple U.S. cities, a mentorship initiative, onsite coaching and grant programs are all in the works. In addition, partnerships across the industry and international collaborations are in play to improve measurement, performance and resuscitation protocols. Dr. Mickey Eisenberg, founder and prior Medical Director of the Resuscitation Academy Foundation agrees, “Dr. Andy McCoy is a wonderful addition to the team. His clinical expertise, deep experience with the RA, and enthusiasm will no doubt help position the organization to grow and sustain, fulfilling the mission to save lives and help communities thrive.”
About the Resuscitation Academy Foundation
The Resuscitation Academy Foundation (RAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by improving pre-hospital emergency care. Rooted firmly in its public health beginnings, the RAF is committed to never charging for its educational content or workshops. Their educational programs and tools enable communities to implement best practices and continual quality improvement.
Drawing from recognized experts in public health, academic medicine, and emergency medical services, the RAF collaborates and creates life-saving training workshops for pre-hospital leaders and providers. They share valuable resources and elevate global resuscitation standards to ensure the highest level of care and preparedness worldwide.
