FAQ
What is sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)?
SCA is a sudden and unexpected pulseless condition due to cessation of effective cardiac activity (pumping). It is usually caused by ventricular fibrillation, an abnormality in the heart’s electrical system. When SCA occurs, blood stops flowing to the brain, the heart, and the rest of the body, and the person collapses with no pulse. In fact, the victim is clinically dead and will remain so unless someone helps immediately.
Is sudden cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack?
No. A heart attack (or a myocardial infarction) is when part of the heart’s blood supply is reduced or blocked, causing the heart muscle to become injured or die. It has been described as a “plumbing problem” in the heart. The heart attack victim is awake and may complain about one or more of the signs and symptoms of heart attack. In contrast, the SCA victim is not awake and needs immediate help. While a heart attack can lead to SCA, there are many other causes of SCA e.g. heart muscle abnormalities, heart rhythm abnormalities, heart valve abnormalities, recreational drug use, electrocution, direct chest trauma
When SCA occurs, the heart stops beating in an effective, organized manner. As a result, blood is no longer pumped throughout the body. The person suddenly passes out and appears lifeless, except for abnormal “gasping,” which may last for several minutes. Occasionally, SCA victims experience 10-20 seconds of seizure activity (shaking of the arms and legs) at the onset of the event, as the brain stops receiving blood and oxygen from the heart.
Why do laypersons need to know about sudden cardiac arrest?
When a person collapses, is unresponsive, and is breathing abnormally, he or she most likely is experiencing SCA. Whether or not the victim survives depends largely upon the immediate intervention of bystanders. There is a brief time window for saving the victim’s life.
How should sudden cardiac arrest be treated?
SCA victims can survive if they receive immediate CPR and are treated quickly with defibrillators. To be effective, this treatment must be delivered quickly, ideally within the first three to five minutes after collapse.
Why is bystander action so important?
The ambulance services are seldom able to reach a victim within those first three to five minutes. Prompt action by bystanders is critical and it is extremely important for laypersons to learn CPR and learn how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
What is an automated external defibrillator?
An AED is a portable user-friendly electronic device that automatically diagnoses potentially life-threatening heart rhythms. If the AED detects a problem that may respond positively to an electric shock, it permits a shock to be delivered to restore a normal heart rhythm. AEDs provide simple audio and visual instructions and are designed for use by laypersons. Some AEDs advise the operator to press a button to deliver the shock. Ours automatically provide a shock if the heart is in a fatal rhythm.
Is a rescuer protected from legal liability risks if he/she uses an automated external defibrillator?
Typically, AED users are protected from liability so long as they act in a reasonable and rational manner. Liability protections generally don’t cover gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct, such as consciously seeking to injure the patient or using an AED in a non-accepted, non-standard way. Therefore it is important that training be provided to limit any question of liability.
Can a rescuer accidentally hurt a victim with an automated external defibrillator?
No. The victim is already clinically dead and the rescuer's actions can only help. AEDs are designed to resuscitate people whose hearts have stopped working effectively. AEDs will only shock those victims hearts that need to be shocked.
Can a rescuer hurt themselves or others with an automated external defibrillator?
No, not if the AED is used properly. The therapeutic shock is programmed to go from one electrode pad to the other through the victim’s chest. Basic precautions, such as not touching the victim during the shock, ensures the safety of rescuers and other bystanders.
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