Cardiac Arrest

This year, at least 250,000 Americans will have a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Ninety percent (90%) will die before receiving emergency care. Early defibrillation is the single most effective way to increase survival. The Medtronic Physio Control LifePak Defibrillator-Monitor-Pacemaker is a great Tool in helping to save a persons life.

Whether you’re in Ohio, California, Mexico, or Europe a sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning. Sudden cardiac arrest is often caused by abnormal heart rhythms. Ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia will result in an ineffective quivering of the heart muscle, rendering it unable to pump blood through the body. Once the blood stops circulating a person quickly loses consciousness and will die without effective treatment. External defibrillation provides a brief but powerful shock through a person's chest to the heart, interrupting the abnormal rhythm and allowing the heart's natural rhythm to regain control.

Strengthening the Chain of Survival

The American Heart Association (AHA) has defined a chain of survival that is now the worldwide standard of emergency cardiac care:

1. Early access to emergency medical system (EMS and 911)
2. Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
3. Immediate defibrillation when indicated
(use the Physio Control LifePak Defibrillator)
4. Early advanced emergency treatment