There is a difference between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. 

A heart attack is caused by a circulation problem, caused when one or more arteries delivering blood ot the heart is blocked.  Oxygen in the blood  cannot reach the heart muscle and the heart muscle becomes damaged.  This damage can lead to trouble with the heart’s electrical system.  This may lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical problem in the heart and results in the heart unable to beat.

Every year more than 250,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest.  CPR  or cardiopulmonary  resuscitation is a key to survival. But CPR is more effective when coupled with an automated external defibrillator (AED).  An AED is a portable electronic device that is simple and easy for a non-medical person to use.  The AED talks a person through the process  of applying an electric shock that should start the heart to beat normally when a person suffers fron sudden cardiac arrest.

The cost of these devices has come down over the years and AED’s are now available for less than $1000.  As the price is reasonable, we want to encourage businesses, apartment buildings, public buildings, etc. to add AED’s to their first aid program.  The American Heart Association says that at least 20,000 lives could be saved annually with prompt use of AED’s.

The key to success is early intervention.  Get First Aid/CPR/AED training today—the life you save may be your loved one.