Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when an electrical malfunction of the heart causes it to suddenly stop beating. There are no warning signs, and it can happen to anyone, anywhere. A victim’s best chance of survival is immediate treatment with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an automated external defibrillator (AED).

1. SCA can happen to anyone at any time.
   SCA doesn’t discriminate. It can affect children and adults of all ages and isn’t exclusive to those with a history of heart problems.

2. Symptoms of SCA come on very suddenly.
   Victims collapse and lose consciousness, and without treatment, death can occur within minutes.

3. Globally, the survival rate for SCA is less than 1%.¹
   Cardiac arrest claims more lives worldwide than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, pneumonia, auto accidents, HIV, firearms, and house fires combined.²

4. When SCA strikes, time is of the essence.
   An SCA victim’s survival may depend on bystanders quickly calling for medical help, starting CPR, and using an AED to restart the heart. With prompt CPR and use of an AED, their chance of survival jumps to 60%.³ ZOLL AEDs feature user-friendly, real-time audio and visual prompts to guide rescuers through AED use and high-quality CPR. This allows rescuers to act quickly and confidently to help save a life.

5. High-quality CPR is critical.
   The latest guidelines from resuscitation councils worldwide are clear: Successful defibrillation must be supported with high-quality CPR. The AED’s first heart analysis is crucial. If it calls for no shock, only high-quality CPR can lead to a shockable rhythm on the next heart analysis. High-quality CPR provides a struggling heart with the oxygenated blood needed to help restore a normal rhythm.

SCA is unexpected and frightening, but it can be treated. Do your part to prepare your colleagues by offering CPR training and ZOLL AEDs in the workplace.

ZOLL AEDs will provide rescuers with real-time feedback to ensure the best possible CPR and will deliver a shock if necessary. In matters of life and death, be prepared to help save a life.

¹ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17993308/
² American Heart Association. CPR Facts and Stats (2018). cpr.heart.org/en/resources/ cpr-facts-and-stats
³ Saving Sudden Cardiac Arrest Victims in the Workplace. Occupational Safety & Health Administration website. www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3185.pdf. (Accessed 3 Mar 2021.)