What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?

The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction of the heart called ventricular fibrillation (VF). VF causes the heart muscle to quiver making it unable to pump blood to the heart, brain, and other organs of the body. Brain death and permanent death start to occur in just four to six minutes after someone experiences SCA.

What is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?

When SCA occurs the heart stops pumping blood and the victim stops breathing. CPR is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to the victim thought to be in SCA. CPR can support a small amount of blood flow to the heart and brain and buy time until an AED or more definitive care can be used. The victim’s chances of survival are reduced 7-10% with every minute that passes without defibrillation. CPR can help give the victim more time to receive additional medical care and increase their likelihood of survival.