Why Do I Need AEDs?

 

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death, killing more than one million people worldwide each year. SCA can strike persons of any age, gender, race, and even those who seem in good health, as evidenced by world class professional athletes at the peak of fitness.

During SCA, heart function ceases abruptly and without warning, as it did with Dan Ruthemeyer (video on right) in his office in 2008.

In the very beginning of the video, Dan says, “"Up until 3:45 on October 22 it was just any other day. I left my desk in one part of the building; I went downstairs to a printer, to get something off the printer, and I wound up on the ground."

When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body, and in more than 90% of its victims, death occurs. This is usually caused when the electrical impulses in the affected heart become rapid (ventricular tachycardia, or "VT") or chaotic (ventricular fibrillation, or "VF"), or both. An AED, an automated external defibrillator is required to restore a natural rhythm.

These irregular heart rhythms are arrhythmias. The general public and media often mistakenly refer to SCA as a "massive heart attack." (Read: Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest)

SCA is an "electrical" problem: The arrhythmia prevents the heart from pumping blood to the brain and vital organs. There is an immediate cessation of the heart. In most cases, there are no warning signs or symptoms.

A heart attack is a "plumbing" problem caused by one or more blockages in the heart's blood vessels, preventing proper flow, and the heart muscle dies. Symptoms include chest pain, radiating pain in left arm, between shoulder blades, and/or jaw, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and sweating. In some cases, a heart attack may lead to a sudden cardiac arrest event.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and European Resuscitation Council (ERC), the sooner the defibrillation, the better the victim's chances of survival - precisely why having your own automated external defibrillator (AED) to use while you're waiting for emergency medical responders - is so important.

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     Dan was saved at work.