This was Tuesday afternoon!!!! And then you have Wednesday morning!!!! I had no idea what Cardiac Arrest was..... I had no idea that Cardiac Arrest was different than a heart attack......I had no idea that an AED ( automated external defibrillator) was the only way to save my Dad's life.....I had no idea where to even find an AED. Here are some things that I have learned about Cardiac Arrest in the past month. I hope that someone can use this information and help to fight for and get trained in CPR, know where to find the AED's and how to use them.
Sudden cardiac arrest, or SCA, is the sudden unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. SCA usually results from an abnormal heart rhythm, often as a result of underlying heart conditions. Unfortunately, many people do not realize they have underlying heart conditions-- until SCA occurs. In fact, about two-thirds of unexpected cardiac deaths occur without prior indication of heart disease.
SCA is not the same as a heart attack, which occurs when blood vessels in the heart get clogged, preventing blood flow to sections of heart muscle. A heart attack, however, can lead to SCA by triggering an abnormal heart rhythm. SCA may be compared to an electrical problem in the heart, in contrast to a heart attack, which is more of a plumbing problem.
Without immediate treatment, SCA is fatal. Effective treatment generally involves cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of a defibrillator to shock the heart back to a normal rhythm, and advanced life support including drug therapy and, increasingly, therapeutic hypothermia. The quicker treatment is delivered and circulation is restored, the greater the chances for survival.
Signs of cardiac arrest: It strikes suddenly and without warning.
No response to tapping on shoulders
Does nothing when you ask if he is okay
No normal breathing
The victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up
Check for at least five seconds
If these signs of cardiac arrest are present:
Call 9-1-1 for emergency medical services.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) claims more than 380,000* lives per year, and is the leading cause of death in the United States. SCA can strike anyone, anytime.
*American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2012 Update. Circulation: 15 Dec. 2011
These are the men and women that jumped into action and saved my Dad's life that Wednesday morning. Without their quick action, we would not have had any more time with my Dad. We will forever be grateful that they did not hesitate when Dad went down. But rather jumped into action and used their training. Thank you so very much!!! You will always hold a very dear place in our hearts!!!
Casey is the one that actually used the AED on my Dad. Julie, his lovely wife, was our ICU nurse and took great care of the family as well as my Dad. Love to you all!! In an effort to help cover medical expenses we are doing a fundraiser. We are working with Celebrating Home. They have some great products. Just in time for Christmas. Please take a look at the link. 50% of all proceeds will help out!!!
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