IN AN EMERGENCY

What to Do When SCA Strikes

If someone collapses and is not breathing:

  1. Call 911
  2. Start chest compressions
  3. Get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
  4. Turn it on and follow the voice prompts

A victim of sudden cardiac death will often complain of feeling “faint” or dizzy, usually during or just after exercise. They will rapidly become unconscious and may gasp for breath for a short time.

Every second counts. When SCA occurs, chest compressions and the use of an AED need to start immediately. Don’t waste precious time trying to figure out what may have happened—you need to recognize SCA when it happens and take action.

Applying the AED will only help. The AED can’t hurt anyone. Once the pads are in place, it will only deliver a shock if it is needed. The AED is very easy to use - just turn it on and follow the voice prompts.

For the thousands of people that collapse each year from SCA without prior knowledge of their risk factors, the key to survival is early bystander recognition of SCA and a strong chain of survival.