Sudden Cardiac Arrest can affect anyone anytime. It is crucial that the person gets help immediately. The only thing that will pull someone out of SCA is an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). An AED is a portable device that will check the heart's rhythm and can send an electrical shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm.
There are no limitations on who can purchase an AED. AED’s are available for purchase to everyone, including; individuals, businesses, Police, Fire, EMS, and all other industries. Entities such as churches, schools, and other places where large groups of people congregate, are finally starting consider an emergency plan that involves an AED as well.
Another important place to have an AED is in your home. Approximately eighty percent (80%) of sudden cardiac arrest cases occur at home. When a person is in SCA, the chance of survival goes down 10% for every minute without having an AED available. Having access to an AED could potentially save a loved one’s life. For a family member or friend with a high risk of cardiac arrest, having an AED at home would eliminate the need to wait several vital minutes for an emergency medical team to arrive with one.