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Saving Lives from SCA

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Become a Hero Be Aware, Be Prepared, Save a Life

 

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. This life-threatening condition can strike individuals – including the young and healthy – without warning. SCA does not discriminate by age, gender, race or fitness level.

Each year, more than 350,000 thousand Americans experience SCA outside of a hospital setting. This means that approximately 1,000 people become victims of this emergency medical condition every single day – at home, at work, at the grocery store or even in the middle of an athletic competition.

By being aware and prepared to respond, you can save lives.

Don’t let fear keep you from taking action. It takes courage to step up and provide care in the event of a cardiac emergency, and as a rescuer, you are protected under Ohio’s Good Samaritan Law.

 

SCA Survival Rates Take Action, Make a Difference

Currently, only 1 in 10 individuals survive SCA.

With the help of bystanders like you, we can increase survival rates to 5 in 10.

When SCA strikes, every second counts. Without immediate medical attention, sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death within minutes. Likewise, for every minute that passes without medical attention, the chance of survival decreases by 10%. That’s where you come in.

According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, immediate bystander intervention can double or triple survival rates.

Chain of Survival Recognize, Respond, Restart the Heart

  • Recognize SCA – Sudden cardiac arrest victims will collapse, become unresponsive and struggle to breathe normally. They may gasp or shake as if they are having a seizure. If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, assume SCA.
  • Call 911 – In any emergency, it is important to call 911. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions: they can help you remain calm and focused until first responders arrive.
  • Start CPR – Begin chest compressions by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. Aim to administer 100-120 pumps/minute.
  • Use AED – If an AED is available, follow step-by-step instructions. The device will give you simple directions to restart the heart.

This chain of survival is crucial to survival. By administering aid before first responders arrive, you become a partner in lifesaving care.

Improving Access to AEDs with PulsePoint Technology

Access to an AED can make a big difference in survival and recovery, and knowing exactly where to find one in case of emergency can save valuable time.

The PulsePoint AED app can help you locate an AED when you need it most by viewing a simple, interactive map. Download this free app and become a hero by:

  • Quickly identifying the location of AEDs in an emergency situation
  • Assisting first responders by administering lifesaving care before they arrive at the scene
  • Building the PulsePoint database by adding AEDs to the interactive map

You can help build your community’s AED inventory with the touch of a button. When you spot an AED at your favorite restaurant, in a store or at your place of work, snap a photo and submit the details to the app. Fairfield Medical Center’s team will receive, review and approve the notification.

Improving AED Inventory with the Touch of a Button

When you enter an AED into the PulsePoint database, first responders and other CPR-trained individuals gain access to lifesaving resources. Reducing the amount of time between a victim’s collapse and the moment they begin to receive medical attention can dramatically improve their chances of survival.

 

Learn more about PulsePoint AED