Starting Hearts

About Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating and an electric shock is needed to restart the heart.  If not, death will occur within minutes of someone having SCA.  It is our nation’s leading cause of death affecting in excess of 400,000 Americans every year and more than 92% will not survive.

Causes of SCA

SCA can happen to anyone, anywhere at anytime. It often occurs in active, healthy people with no known heart or health problems. From world-class athletes to school aged children, SCA does not discriminate.

How to Help Someone with Sudden Cardiac Arrest

A person’s chance of survival decreases by 10% with every minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation. The most important determinant of survival is the presence of a trained rescuer willing to immediately call 911, perform CPR and use a Defibrillator (DEFIB/AED) in the first minutes of a collapse. When you see someone suddenly collapse or not breathing, immediately:

CALL. PUSH. SHOCK.™

• CALL: Dispatch medical assistance by calling 9-1-1
• PUSH: Perform hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• SHOCK: Locate and use an automated external defibrillator.