It’s Cardiac Awareness Month – What you should know about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)

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The first thing you should know about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is that it is different than a heart attack. They are both serious conditions, and administering proper treatment must be done quickly. Having licensed training and knowing exactly how to respond can make a big difference.

Heart Attacks

A blocked artery causes a heart attack. Circulation slows or cuts off the blood supply to the heart. A person may experience discomfort in the chest but can also feel pain in the arms, back, jaw, neck, or stomach. They may also suffer from shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness and break out in a cold sweat. When this happens, call 911 rather than taking them to the hospital. Make sure they are in a comfortable sitting position, loosen their clothing, and help them take any prescribed medications. They will receive priority attention from medical staff when they arrive at the hospital by ambulance.

Signs of Stroke

What if you see signs of numbness, slurring of words, and confusion? These are indications of a stroke, and the blood supply is being interrupted in the brain instead. Do not offer aspirin when you see these symptoms as it can cause hemorrhaging. 

If someone having a heart attack or stroke doesn’t receive immediate attention, it may lead to sudden cardiac arrest, but this is not the only cause. Cardiac arrest can result from diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, and substance abuse. The heart has an electrical malfunction due to these stressors and stops beating. The person loses consciousness, collapses, and stops breathing.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

Sudden cardiac arrest is fatal within minutes. Call 911 right away and locate a nearby automated external defibrillator (AED). If you are trained in first aid, ask someone else to make the call and find the AED while you begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Cardiac arrest is a major public health problem that can happen at any time. With the correct training to act quickly, there is a better chance of survival. CPR continues to supply the brain and vital organs with oxygenated blood until you can deliver the life-saving shock from an AED to restart the heart.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 320,000 sudden cardiac arrests happen in the US annually. Safety Solved and our staff encourages you, your family and friends, neighbors, and employees to get CPR, AED, and First Aid certified. Immediate treatment by a trained individual can double the rate of survival. 

  • If you have someone at home or in your community who is at high risk for either heart attack or cardiac arrest due to pre-existing conditions, becoming certified can give you peace of mind. 
  • If your business or facility is required to have licensed staff for emergencies, reach out for more information, schedule a course at a nearby location, or have a class conducted at your workplace.

 

It’s Cardiac Awareness Month. Get educated and be prepared to save lives!

 

Sources: 

Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Differences, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks/heart-attack-or-sudden-cardiac-arrest-how-are-they-different and https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-attack-and-stroke-symptoms 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month 2020, CPR, CPR, EMS SAFETY Programs, First Aid, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, https://www.emssafetyservices.com/2020/10/06/sudden-cardiac-arrest-awareness-month-2020/