A: Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heartbeat stops abruptly and unexpectedly. This usually is caused by ventricular fibrillation, when the bottom ventricle of the heart quivers uncontrollably and cannot pump blood. Rapid defibrillation is the only effective treatment for this.
Public Access Defibrillation
The County of Haliburton has Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) in more than 38 sites all over the County. The sites are at locations such as community centers, arenas, curling clubs and all branches of the Royal Canadian Legion.
The AED locations can be viewed from the County of Haliburton's interactive WebGIS.
A PDF version of AED locations throughout the County is also available.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 35,000 to 45,000 cardiac arrests occur each year in Canada. In Ontario alone 7,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests occur each year. The survival rate for an out of hospital arrest is 5% that rate drops by 7% to 10% with each passing minute. Defibrillation combined with CPR can improve survival rates by up to 50% if delivered within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation says that early recognition (of a cardiac event), early access (911), early CPR and early defibrillation are all important for survival of a heart attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is sudden cardiac arrest?
Q: Is sudden cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack?
A: No. A heart attack is a condition in which a blood clot suddenly blocks a coronary artery, resulting in the death of heart muscle supplied by that artery. Heart attack victims usually experience chest pain and usually remain conscious. Heart attacks are serious and sometimes lead to sudden cardiac arrest. However, sudden cardiac arrest may occur independently from a heart attack and without warning signs. Sudden cardiac arrest results in death if not treated immediately.
Q: Who is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?
A: While the average age of sudden cardiac arrest victims is about 65, sudden cardiac arrest is unpredictable and can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime
A: An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a device that automatically analyzes heart rhythms and advises the operator to deliver an electric current if the heart is in ventricular fibrillation, an otherwise fatal rhythm
Q: Do I have to be a doctor, nurse or paramedic to use an AED?
A: No. Anyone can use AEDs. We highly recommend taking a CPR Training class.
A: AEDs are automated – they take the decision making process out of the hands of rescuers and place it in an internal computer chip. They don't use paddles but instead have patches called electrodes that are easily placed on the victim's chest. The device uses a recorded message to give step-by-step instructions to the user. The AED analyses the heart and will only deliver a shock to the victim if it detects the presence of cardiac rhythms that require defibrillation. If the victim is not in cardiac arrest, the AED will not deliver the shock.
A: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an integral part of the “Chain of Survival.” In the absence of a defibrillator, CPR can be used from the time of collapse until the defibrillator arrives – this may extend the amount of time that a patient can still be successfully defibrillated. The probability of survival is improved if the victim receives CPR while waiting to be defibrillated. Ambulance dispatch will coach you through the steps of CPR while using an AED.
Q: Shouldn't we wait until the ambulance arrives?
A: It is impossible in the majority of cases for paramedics to arrive at the sides of sudden cardiac arrest victims quickly enough to initiate CPR and give rapid, life-saving defibrillation. The reason is this: For every minute that passes after a sudden cardiac arrest, the chance for survival drops by 10 per cent. Always start CPR first.
Q: What if I forget the steps for shocking a victim?
A: The steps for shocking a patient in cardiac arrest are simple and straightforward. Just follow the visual and audio prompts provided by the AED machine.
Q: Can I hurt the victim with an AED?
A: Most victims of sudden cardiac arrest will die if their hearts are not shocked right away with a defibrillator. If you follow standard procedures and routine safety precautions, your actions can only help.
Q: Can I accidentally shock myself?
A: AEDs are extremely safe when used properly. The electric shock is programmed to go from one pad to the other through the victim's chest. Basic precautions, such as not touching the victim during the shock, virtually ensure the safety of rescuers.
Q: Do all ambulances carry defibrillators?
A: Yes. All ambulances and fire response vehicles in Haliburton County carry AEDs