Download The American Red Cross states that over 350,000 people will suffer

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SAFETY TALK
AED AND SCA
The American Red Cross states that over 350,000 people will suffer from Sudden Cardiac Arrest or SCA this year alone; it
is one of the leading causes of death in the US. Most SCAs will occur outside of a medical setting; the current survival rate
for these “out-of-hospital” events is between one and five percent. This survival rate can increase with the training and use
of Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs. Some commonly asked questions about their use:
1. What causes an SCA? The normal beat of your heart is caused by rhythmic, electrical impulses produced by the
heart itself. An SCA results from an arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. The most common arrhythmia is a
ventricular fibrillation, where the electrical impulses controlling the ventricles or lower chambers of the heart
become uncoordinated and chaotic. This lack of coordination makes it almost impossible for your heart to pump
blood. Unless the normal rhythm is restored, death will occur in a matter of minutes. The scary part of this is that
SCAs aren’t predictable, with many victims showing no history of heat related issues.
2. Is an SCA the same as a heart attack? No, a heart attack results from the death of the heart muscle from a lack
of blood supply to that muscle. Typically, a victim of a heart attack has symptoms leading up to the heart attack.
SCA is caused by an issue with the heart’s electrical impulses.
3. What is the Cardiac Chain of Survival? These are the critical steps identified by the American Red Cross that
should be used to treat SCA. They include:
 Early access to care by calling 911 or your local EMS immediately
 Start CPR as quickly as possible
 Defibrillate using an AED as quickly as possible
 Early advanced cardiac life support
All of these steps are seen to increase your survival rate, but the use of an AED appears to be the most crucial
step.
4. What is an AED? An AED is a battery operated, portable device used to give the victim of a SCA an electrical
shock to “reset” an irregular heart rhythm back to normal. This is called defibrillation and is most effective when
done within 4 minutes of someone’s collapse. It also has the ability to monitor the rhythm of the heart and indicate
if an electrical shock in necessary.
5. How does an AED work? The AED interprets a victim’s heart rhythm by receiving information through the
adhesive electrodes placed on the victim’s chest. The adhesive electrodes are much like those used at your
doctor’s office when you get your EKG during a physical. An electrical shock can only be given if the information
received by the AED indicates the victim needs to be defibrillated.
6. Can an AED make a mistake? It isn’t likely. If the AED is attached to an adult victim that is not breathing and
has no pulse, the AED will make the correct “shock” decision more than 95 out of 100 times and a correct “no
shock” determination more that 98 out of 100 times. This accuracy rate is greater than that of emergency
professionals.
7. Should CPR be done first or applying the AED? CPR should be done only until the AED arrives. By applying
the AED’s electrodes, the victim’s information will be accessed and interpreted. The AED will instruct the operator
through voice prompts and messages what is to be done. It will tell the operator when it is necessary to shock the
victim or to begin or continue CPR.
8. Since defibrillation is so important, why is CPR even necessary? CPR allows for the circulation of some
blood through the body while the heart is out of commission. This is necessary to move oxygen-rich blood to the
victim’s heart and brain to help delay brain death, as well as the death of heart muscle.
9. Can just anyone use an AED? While AEDs are designed to be user-friendly for use by those that are untrained,
it is best left to someone that has been trained. Although the AED has very effective voice prompts and
messages, the ability of the AED to be accurate is based upon the proper assessment of a victim and the proper
placement of the electrodes. AED training is usually available through the American Red Cross or American Heart
Association and typically lasts about four hours. If you’re not trained to use an AED, you are more help to the
victim by given them CPR or running and bringing the AED to the site so it is there and ready when someone that
is trained arrives on the scene.
10. The AED gives an electric shock, is it safe to use on a metal surface? Yes, as long as you take the correct
precautions. Be sure that the electrodes are not in contact with the metal surface and that no one touches the
victim when the shock is discharged.
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AED AND SCA
11. Is it safe to use an AED around water? It is safe to use an AED in rain and snow; however neither the rescuer
nor the victim should be in a puddle of water. Be sure to use common sense and always follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations when using an AED.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What is the difference between an SCA and a heart attack?
Which is more important to a victim’s survival; CPR or defibrillation?
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