Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs when the electrical signals that regulate the heartbeat become irregular, and a person collapses and becomes unconscious without warning. This can happen to anyone at any time regardless of age, or physical condition. SCA is our nations number one cause of death claiming about 350,000 lives per year. That is almost 1000 lives a day, or almost 40 lives per hour. Roughly 80% of these happen in the home and 60% of those are witnessed by a family member. The only remedy for Sudden Cardiac Arrest is CPR and use of an AED to reset a normal heart rhythm. Calling EMS results in a 3-5% chance of survival, but if immediate CPR is started and an AED is used within 5 minutes chances can increase up to 74%.
A Heart Attack is a blockage of blood flow to the heart and severe chest pain and radiating pain in the jaw are common symptoms. A person experiencing a heart attack is conscious and usually is in denial of the fact that they are having one. Women may also feel lower back pain and/or abdominal pain. Calling EMS and keeping the person relaxed are vital for a heart attack.
Knowing how to perform CPR is important for either circumstance since heart attacks are one of the leading causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
