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Serving Florida
Erik Helms
Program Director
1-877-282-2071
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac Arrest Victim
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of
death among adults In North America. SCA occurs when the heart's
electrical system malfunctions and the heart abruptly stops
working without waning. When SCA occurs, most victims have
an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF)
The most common cause of VF is a poor supply of oxygen to
the heart, most commonly caused by a heart attack. After a
heart attack, low oxygen can cause the heart's natural electronic
signals to become disorganized. This causes twitching of the
heart muscle (VF) and prevents coordinated contraction. The
heart stops pumping blood and oxygen to itself and to the
brain. The lack of blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain
causes the victim to lose consciousness immediately. Unless
a shock is delivered to the heart to restore its regular rhythm,
brain death can occur within minutes. SCA often occurs In
active, outwardly healthy people with no known heart disease
or other health problems However, most victims have heart
diseases or other health problems. The most Important risk
factors are a previous heart attack and coronary artery disease
(CAD - narrowed or blocked arteries supplying blood to the
heart).
An Automated External Defibrillator
(AED) is a small, portable computerized device that diagnoses
and treats VF. It is attached with wires and pads to the chest
of the victim. It checks the person's heart rhythm, decides
if the rhythm is VF, and gives the heart an electric shock.
If this shock is delivered promptly after collapse many victims
can survive without brain damage. If
an AED is available immediately attach it to the victim. Listen
and follow the machine’s instructions.
SCA Signs and Symptoms
Sudden collapse without warning (some
people may experience a racing heartbeat or feel dizzy or
faint).
Unconscious, unresponsive
May make abnormal grunting, gasping or snoring noises
Looks dead
SCA First Aid
Perform CPR and defibrillate as soon as possible with an AED.
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