October is observed as Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month across the nation. According to the Heart Rhythm Society, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the cause of more than 350,000 deaths every year. To bring the number down, it is important to understand what SCA is and how to respond to an SCA event.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a treatable condition that doesn’t
necessarily lead to sudden death; however, most people often misunderstood it
as a massive heart attack. When an individual suffers SCA, they might be fine
one minute but collapse the next without any warning signs. Without immediate
and proper intervention, the victim may die.
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when there is
a sudden electrical malfunction. SCA causes an abrupt and unexpected loss of
heart function. When the heart stops to beat entirely, the individual also
experiences a sudden loss of consciousness, breathing, blood circulation to the
brain, while other vital organs cease instantly. This medical situation is
completely different from a heart attack, where the heart continues to beat,
and only the blood supply is compromised. It is crucial to respond immediately;
otherwise, the victim may suffer structural brain damage, or even death, within
minutes.
What to do if you witness someone in an SCA
emergency?
Given the severity of SCA, response time is crucial. You can make the
difference between life and death by understanding what to do in such an
emergency.
● Recognize Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) - A person suddenly loses consciousness in
SCA. Also, normal breathing stops, and you see no signs of life. Instead of
waiting for professional rescuers to arrive at the scene, immediately intervene
as there might not be enough time. With each passing minute, the chances of
survival decrease by 10%.
● Call 911 - It
goes without saying - calling 911 should be your first response or better yet,
ask someone else to get professional help on the way while you begin treatment.
● Find and use the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) - If AED is immediately available, apply the
electrode pads to the victim’s chest and follow the instructions as shown on
diagrams on the AED. The electrical therapy will automatically shock the heart
to restore the normal heart rhythm.
●Start chest compressions or CPR - If AED is not immediately available, begin
chest compressions and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
When a bystander initiates these lifesaving tasks, the victim’s
survival rate increases from 10 to 50 percent.
Invest in portable EKG
machines to take care of your heart during this Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Awareness Month.
