It can happen any time, anywhere to anyone – a life threating sudden cardiac arrest. A sudden cardiac arrest is evidenced by a sudden collapse and cessation of breathing, or agonal breathing, which is characterized by irregular, gasping breaths, that severely impair oxygenation to the brain.
How to Help
When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, immediate action is required by bystanders until an emergency medical team (EMT) arrives. Bystanders who have been trained in CPR are best equipped, but anyone can help and with the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) because once you turn it on, the audio prompts tell you step by step exactly what to do.
How Does an AED Work?
An AED restores a correct heart rhythm by first analyzing the heart rhythm and providing the correct electrical shock or shocks to reset the heart to its correct rhythm. If one of these devices is not readily available, it is critical for CPR to continue until emergency medical help arrives.
You Can Help
Of course no one anticipates or thinks about the lack of a readily available AED until it is needed. You can help by donating an AED in your community where you see one needed. This could be anywhere people congregate – places of worship, theaters, malls, community centers, parks, or any large commercial setting.
Be a Hero!
Donate an AED and be a hero in your community. To donate an AED, or learn more about it, visit our website at: https://startinghearts.org/get-involved/donate-a-defibrillator.html
