A sudden and unexpected abnormality in the heart’s electrical system which causes the heart to stop beating normally. During an SCA, blood stops flowing properly and the patient collapses. The only way to restore their heart rhythm is by administering a shock immediately. Anyone can do this by using an AED – as long as one is available.
No. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when the heart’s blood supply is reduced or blocked. The heart muscle becomes injured or may start to die. During a heart attack, the victim is conscious and may complain about symptoms.
An SCA is an electrical problem in the heart which causes the heart to beat in an irregular, inefficient manner. Because blood can’t reach the brain, the patient passes out.
A heart attack victim has a pulse whereas an SCA patient does not. With a modern AED, you don’t need to know the difference – it will sense the patient’s heart rhythm and determine the best steps to take. You’ll receive guidance at every stage.
Defibrillation is giving an electric shock to the heart in order to reset its electrical system and allow a normal, effective heart rhythm to return.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) can be used delivers that shock. It analyses the patient’s heart rhythm and, if necessary, provides instructions on how to deliver it.
If a person collapses or loses consciousness, and either doesn’t have a pulse or isn’t breathing properly, you need to urgently intervene. If the patient is unconscious – even if he or she is gasping for breath or having seizures – use the AED.
You don’t have to make a correct diagnosis yourself. The Philips AED will analyse the patient’s heart rhythm and tell you to deliver a shock – but only if it is needed. Simply open the AED and follow the clear, calm voice instructions. You’ll be told how put the pads on the patient so that the AED machine can detect their heart rhythm.
Philips AEDs are designed to be very simple to use. Once you open the AED, a clear, calm voice walks you through the entire rescue process as you do it—at your own pace. The device can tell what step you’re on and will adjust its instructions accordingly.
The most important thing you need to do is act. If there is an AED nearby, find it and open it. The heart needs to be restored to a normal rhythm within 3 – 5 minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest to give the patient the best chance of survival.
No, not if you follow the instructions from the AED. AEDs are designed to help people whose hearts have stopped working effectively. If the AED instructs you to deliver a shock, the person you are helping is already clinically dead. Your actions can only help. You may be able to restore a healthy heart rhythm and save their life.
The best chance to survive a sudden cardiac arrest is if the patient is shocked within 3 – 5 minutes. Often, emergency responders can’t arrive within that small timeframe, due to traffic congestion and other factors.
Philips AEDs are designed so that anyone can use them immediately. However, training is still a good idea. The more familiar you are with the signs of a SCA and using an AED, the more likely you are to be calm and helpful in an actual emergency.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one way to help a victim of SCA. It uses chest compressions and may include rescue breathing.
Both cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED machines have a role to play in saving lives. Performing either is better than doing nothing. Performing both CPR and using an AED together can give the patient an even greater chance of survival.
At Ventria we believe that we truly
understand what is needed to
confidently help save a life.
