What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, preventing blood flow to the rest of the body. During cardiac arrest, the heart's electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This abnormal rhythm can cause the heart to quiver (ventricular fibrillation) or stop beating altogether.
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, preventing blood flow to the rest of the body. During cardiac arrest, the heart's electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This abnormal rhythm can cause the heart to quiver (ventricular fibrillation) or stop beating altogether.
How does CPR help?
Performing CPR keeps blood flowing from the heart to vital organs, in particular to the brain and the heart. The oxygen in the blood allows the brain and other organs to survive until advanced help arrives. |
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Do I have to Perform Mouth to Mouth Breathing?
No! Hands-only CPR, which involves chest compressions without rescue breaths, is an effective alternative and is recommended by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross for untrained bystanders.
No! Hands-only CPR, which involves chest compressions without rescue breaths, is an effective alternative and is recommended by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross for untrained bystanders.
Is Hands Only CPR effective?
Yes! Numerous studies have shown that bystanders performing Hands Only CPR is at least as effective as traditional CPR. The main goal of hands-only CPR is to maintain blood circulation to vital organs, particularly the brain, until professional medical help arrives. This technique simplifies the CPR process and encourages more people to take action in an emergency. |
What is an AED?
An AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. It is a portable device designed to diagnose and treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) by delivering an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. |
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How do AED's work?
These devices are user-friendly and are designed to be operated by individuals with no training. They provide audio prompts to guide the user through the process of attaching the electrodes and delivering a shock if necessary. |
Can I be sued if I do it wrong?
No. Every State in the US has a version of a Good Samaritan Law that protects you from liability when you try to help in an emergency like SCA. |
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