October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. Seven common myths may be contributing to public hesitancy to take action. It's important to learn the facts.
PITTSBURGH, Pa., Oct. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It strikes people of all ages who may seem to be healthy. When SCA happens, the person collapses and doesn't respond or breathe normally. They may gasp or shake as if having a seizure. SCA leads to death in minutes if the person doesn't get help right away. Survival depends on people nearby calling 911, starting CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED), if available, as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, only 40 percent of SCA victims receive CPR from people who witness the event, and only 10 percent of victims are treated with AEDs before EMS arrives at the scene. Yet for every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by 7-10 percent. Tragically, only 10 percent of victims survives.
Why don't more people know and apply these fundamental lifesaving skills? Seven common myths may be contributing to public hesitancy to take action.
MYTH No. 1: SCA is rare.
FACT: Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting more than 356,000 people in community settings annually.
MYTH No. 2: SCA is the same as a heart attack.
FACT: When people have heart attacks, they are awake, and their hearts are beating. When people have SCA, they are not awake, and their hearts are not beating.
Myth No. 3: SCA only happens to the elderly.
FACT: SCA happens to people of all ages, including more than 23,000 youth under the age of 18 each year.
Myth No. 4: SCA only happens to people with a history of heart problems.
FACT: SCA is often the first indication of a heart problem.
Myth No. 5: It is best to wait for professional help to arrive.
FACT: You can double or triple a person's chance of survival from SCA by immediately giving CPR.
MYTH No. 6: Only trained personnel are allowed to use AEDs.
FACT: AEDs can be used effectively by anyone who can follow visual and voice prompts.
MYTH No. 7: AEDs can hurt people by shocking them inappropriately.
FACT: AEDs are safe and effective and will not shock the heart unless shocks are needed to restore a healthy heartbeat.
Here's what everyone needs to know. If you encounter someone in Sudden Cardiac Arrest, act quickly and decisively:
1. CALL: Call 911 and follow dispatcher instructions.
2. PUSH: Start CPR. Press hard and fast on the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute (Think of the beat to 'Stayin' Alive by The Bee Gees.)
3. SHOCK: Use the nearest AED as quickly as possible.
"Bystander action in cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest dramatically improves the likelihood of survival. With greater public awareness and understanding, thousands of lives could be saved each year," said Susan Koeppen, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation National Spokesperson. "And, since 7 in 10 cardiac arrests occur in the home, taking time to learn CPR and how to use an AED could mean the difference between life and death for a loved one."
References:
1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001209
2. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMra1802529
About Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is a national community benefit 501(c)(3) organization. Our vision is to eliminate preventable death and disability from sudden cardiac arrest and support people affected by SCA. Our mission is to raise awareness of SCA and promote initiatives that help save lives through education, research, and community. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is the home of the Cardiac Arrest Survivor Alliance and a proud co-sponsor of the Call-Push-Shock movement.
Media Contact
Mary Newman, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, 724-612-2191, [email protected], https://www.sca-aware.org
SOURCE Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
Share this article