WHAT IS SCA?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death throughout the world. SCA is a condition in which the heart stops abruptly, without warning, usually caused by ventricular fibrillation, an abnormality in the heart's electrical system. In this state, the heart fails to pump blood to the body's other vital organs. Signs of SCA are unconsciousness and breathing has stopped.

Death follows within minutes.

The median age for SCA victims is 60, but it commonly affects people in their 30s and 40s – even teenagers – who may otherwise be fit and healthy.

For every minute that elapses after SCA, the chances of survival diminish 10 percent. Defibrillation is the only proven treatment for sudden cardiac arrest, so a quick response is crucial.