Defibrillation Can Save Lives from SCA

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes without warning and often without symptoms. The only effective way to treat it is through defibrillation.

A heart defibrillator delivers an electrical shock to your heart to restore a normal heartbeat. For the best chance of surviving SCA, you must be defibrillated within approximately 6 minutes.

There are two primary types of defibrillators:

Defibrillation Video
Defibrillators

External Defibrillator
An automatic external defibrillator, or AED, is a portable device that measures the electrical activity of the heart and delivers defibrillation therapy if a fatal heart rhythm is detected. Most emergency response teams carry AEDs. External defibrillators are also found in many public places like airports, stadiums, office buildings and malls.

Internal Defibrillator
An internal defibrillator, or ICD, is a small device implanted under your skin in the upper chest. It continuously monitors your heart rhythm. If it detects a problem, it delivers therapy as needed to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. An implantable defibrillator is the most effective way to treat SCA. It’s there to monitor and protect you 24 hours a day.

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.