Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) continues to be a major public health crisis. It can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of whether they’ve shown signs of heart disease or not.

This month is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. Join us in spreading awareness and encouraging your family, friends, neighbors and workplaces to get CPR, AED and First Aid certified.

How to Treat SCA

If you recognize signs of sudden cardiac arrest (e.g. sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, no signs of breathing), you need to act quickly.

1. Call 911. Direct bystanders to call for help and send someone to get a nearby AED.
2. Begin CPR. Push hard and fast on the center of the chest.
3. Use an AED. Use the AED as soon as it arrives on scene.

The sooner an AED shock is administered, the better chance of surviving cardiac arrest.

CPR will help supply oxygenated blood to the brain and vital organs. This will essentially buy the victim additional time for an AED to be used.

Check out the HSI Emergency Care blog for more information about sudden cardiac arrest, including how to use an AED.