About Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Almost 400,000 people in the U.S. suffer Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) each year and less than 10% survive.

SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.

At any one time, an estimated 20% of the U.S. population congregates on school grounds, increasing the likelihood of school-based cardiac emergencies.

In children and adolescents, the causes of SCA are varied and include heart conditions that result from abnormal heart structure or function, primarily electrical abnormalities and outside factors such as a sudden blow to the chest or drug use.

Up to six per 100,000 children in the United States experience SCA each year; approximately 25% occur during sporting events.

A victim of SCA will often complain of feeling faint or dizzy, usually during or just after exercise. They will rapidly lose consciousness and may gasp for breath for a short time.

Victims of SCA can be assisted by providing chest compressions and early defibrillation with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Every second counts. When SCA occurs, chest compressions need to start immediately and an AED applied as soon as possible.

Survival rates decrease by 10% with each minute of delay.

There is a 5-6 minute window before death or irreparable brain damage occurs.

An AED is very easy to use. Just turn it on and follow the voice prompts.

An AED is safe and will only deliver a shock if it is needed.

An AED can only help if it is used.

Family history of known heart abnormalities or sudden death before age 50

Specifiic family history of long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD)

Family members with unexplained fainting, seizures, drowning or near drowning, or car accidents

Known structural heart abnormality, repaired or unrepaired

Use of drugs such as cocaine, inhalants, or “recreational” drugs