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Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. When the heart stops pumping blood, oxygen can no longer reach the brain and vital organs, causing collapse and loss of consciousness within seconds. Without immediate CPR and defibrillation, SCA is usually fatal within minutes.
No — sudden cardiac arrest and heart attacks are not the same.
A heart attack is a circulation problem caused by blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.
Sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem where the heart’s rhythm becomes chaotic and stops pumping blood. While a heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest, many cases of SCA happen without warning or prior symptoms.
The most common cause is a dangerous heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF), where the heart quivers instead of pumping blood. Other contributing factors may include:
• Heart disease or prior heart attack
• Genetic rhythm disorders
• Structural heart problems
• Respiratory arrest (choking, drowning, overdose)
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Certain medications
• Extreme physical exertion
• Sudden chest impact (commotio cordis)
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking
Often, people collapse without any warning signs.
Common signs include:
• Sudden collapse
• Unresponsiveness
• No normal breathing or only gasping
• No pulse
Some may briefly experience dizziness or chest discomfort, but many show no warning.
Sudden cardiac arrest affects over 350,000 people outside of hospitals each year in the United States. Sadly, most do not survive due to delayed response. Early CPR and AED use can double or triple survival rates.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone — including children and athletes.
Higher risk includes those with:
• Heart disease
• Family history of heart problems
• Smoking
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
Many victims appear healthy beforehand.
Some risk factors can be reduced through heart-healthy living and medical care.
Preparedness is equally important:
• Learning CPR
• Knowing how to use an AED
• Having AEDs accessible
• Acting immediately in emergencies
Fast action saves lives.
Call. Push. Shock.
1. Check responsiveness and breathing
2. Call 911 immediately
3. Start CPR — push hard and fast in the center of the chest
4. Use the AED as soon as available
5. Follow AED prompts
Continue until help arrives.
Every minute without defibrillation lowers survival chances by 7–10%.
Early AED use saves lives.
Only pause when the AED tells you to stop for analysis or shock delivery. Otherwise, continue CPR.
An AED is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm and delivers a controlled electrical shock when needed to stop deadly rhythms and restore a normal heartbeat. It is designed for use by the general public.
The AED:
• Analyzes heart rhythm
• Determines if a shock is required
• Provides clear voice and visual instructions
• Delivers a shock only when necessary
You cannot shock someone who doesn’t need it.
Yes — AEDs are extremely safe and built to prevent accidental shocks.
If a shock is not needed, the device will not deliver one.
Yes.
Pediatric pads or settings are preferred for children under 8 years old or under 55 pounds. If not available, adult pads should still be used.
Yes.
Simply dry the chest and move away from standing water before applying pads.
Yes.
The chest must be bare to allow proper pad placement.
Yes.
Never delay AED use due to a pacemaker.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. When the heart stops pumping blood, oxygen can no longer reach the brain and vital organs, causing collapse and loss of consciousness within seconds. Without immediate CPR and defibrillation, SCA is usually fatal within minutes.
No — sudden cardiac arrest and heart attacks are not the same.
A heart attack is a circulation problem caused by blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.
Sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem where the heart’s rhythm becomes chaotic and stops pumping blood. While a heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest, many cases of SCA happen without warning or prior symptoms.
The most common cause is a dangerous heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF), where the heart quivers instead of pumping blood. Other contributing factors may include:
• Heart disease or prior heart attack
• Genetic rhythm disorders
• Structural heart problems
• Respiratory arrest (choking, drowning, overdose)
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Certain medications
• Extreme physical exertion
• Sudden chest impact (commotio cordis)
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking
Often, people collapse without any warning signs.
Common signs include:
• Sudden collapse
• Unresponsiveness
• No normal breathing or only gasping
• No pulse
Some may briefly experience dizziness or chest discomfort, but many show no warning.
Sudden cardiac arrest affects over 350,000 people outside of hospitals each year in the United States. Sadly, most do not survive due to delayed response. Early CPR and AED use can double or triple survival rates.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone — including children and athletes.
Higher risk includes those with:
• Heart disease
• Family history of heart problems
• Smoking
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
Many victims appear healthy beforehand.