The Case for Early Defibrillation

What is sudden cardiac arrest? Condition in which heart stops abruptly Usually caused by ventricular fibrillation

(abnormality in heart’s electrical system) Not the same as heart attack Results in death if not treated immediately

How common is SCA?

One of leading causes of death in U.S. At least 250,000 suffer SCA each year Median age of victim: 65 years, but affects

people of all ages, even teenagers

SCA: a public health crisis

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Annual incidence

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Sudden cardiacarrest

How can SCA be treated?

Ideal treatment for most cases: Early CPR (cardiopulmonary

resuscitation) to keep heart viable until defibrillator arrives

Early defibrillation (delivery of electrical shocks with defibrillator)

Why is early defibrillation so important?

Chance of survival from SCA diminish 7-10% with every minute after collapse

Why is early defibrillation so important?

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Survival rate

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Only 7% now survive 30% or more could

survive in community settings

If even 20% survive, 50,000 lives could be saved each year

Do you have to be medically trained to use defibrillator?

No. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are simple, safe and easy to use

Non-medical personnel can use AEDs with minimum of training

Who supports increased access to defibrillation? American College of Emergency

Physicians American Heart Association American Public Health Association American Red Cross Canadian Association of Emergency

Physicians Citizen CPR Foundation Emergency Care Research Institute Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada International Association of Chiefs of

Police International Association of Fire Chiefs

International Association of Fire Fighters International Liaison Committee on

Resuscitation National Association of EMS Physicians National Association of State EMS Directors National Association of State EMS Training

Coordinators, Inc. National Center for Early Defibrillation National Heart Lung and Blood Institute National Safety Council Occupational Safety and Health

Administration

Are AED programs cost-effective?

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per year of lifesaved

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Defibrillation

Cost of first responder AED programs over five years: $4,400 to $8,000 per year of life saved

Compares favorably with costs of other medical interventions

How you can help your community prepare for SCA Make sure local EMS, fire and police are

trained and equipped with defibrillators. Consider advocating on-site AED

programs in population centers that cannot be reached by emergency responders in less than five minutes

How you can help your community prepare for SCA Call 911 immediately in the case of

apparent emergencies. Learn CPR. Encourage your family

members, friends and neighbors to learn CPR.

Learn how to use an AED. Remember that the key to survival is

quick action.

How you can help your community prepare for SCA

Call 1-866 AED-INFO or visit www.early-defib.org for more information.