SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST (SCA) IN THE USA
Join Our Cause!
Play your part and help us save a heart! There is always a way in which you can get involved. Whether that is through volunteering or donations, we are so excited for you to join us in this journey of raising awareness and saving hearts!
Cardiac arrest is “one of the most lethal public health problems in the United States, claiming more lives than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, pneumonia, auto accidents, HIV, firearms, and house fires combined. In many cases… cardiac arrest victims have ‘hearts too good to die.”
Julieta’s Story
On May 3rd, 2020, after a seemingly normal day quarantining at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Julieta suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while working out with her sister upstairs. Her mother and sister had to watch as EMS responders unceasingly worked to bring her back, until they finally did about 23 minutes later. Her father and brother felt helpless as they received the news while in another country. Julieta’s fight for her life did not end there, as more complications came by once she arrived at the hospital.
What We Do
CPR Training
With how sudden and unpredictable SCA is, it is of utmost importance that everyone is educated in CPR and knows what to do in the case of an emergency. If CPR is performed within a few minutes of a cardiac arrest, it can double or triple the person’s chances of survival. This is why we are offering CPR and AED training adhering to the American Heart Association course in person, or online through our partnership with HSI.
AED Donation
Because sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time, in any place, it is crucial for the safety of our community to have well-functioning AEDs located everywhere – highly-populated buildings, offices, parks, etc. Since it is yet to become a law for many of these locations to have an AED in place, with your help, we will donate AEDs and provide them with the life-saving equipment in hopes to increase the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest.
Heart Screenings
The most effective way to prevent sudden cardiac arrest is with early detection of heart abnormalities. Studies have found that with the use of ECGs, which are about 90.4% accurate, approximately 90% of all sudden cardiac arrest cases could be prevented. Even with this immense amount of research, ECGs are not provided with routine check-ups and sports physicals. It is for these reasons that we have decided to bring these services to our community and screen as many hearts as possible in hopes to prevent people from having sudden cardiac death be their first sign of a heart condition.
Steps to Save a Life
CALL
So many people tend to hesitate to call 911 in cases of emergencies, especially when they do not know what is going on and the gravity of the matter. However, it is crucial that 911 is called immediately after witnessing an event, as they can guide you through stressful situations.
PUSH
If you see someone who needs help, even if you are not sure if their heart has stopped, always perform CPR. No CPR is bad CPR. Performing chest compressions does not only increase the chances of survival, but it also decreases the chances of a person developing cognitive issues.
SHOCK
During a sudden cardiac arrest, CPR is used to perform the heart’s function by manually helping it irrigate blood and oxygenate the brain. However, AEDs help shock the heart so that it restarts its operation. They are the best and most user-friendly tool that saves a life.
Good Samaritan Law
In the US, there is a law that helps defend good samaritans who step in to help others in need. The risk of being sued for doing a good deed and providing aid to someone in need will be totally eliminated. There is no need to be hesitant and not take action.
