What is sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)?
Sudden cardiac arrest cases are usually due to abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias, the vast majority of which are ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is a condition in which the heart's electrical impulses suddenly become chaotic; causing the heart’s pumping action to stop abruptly. Victims collapse and quickly lose consciousness, often without warning. Unless a normal heart rhythm is restored, death follows within a matter of minutes. The cause of sudden cardiac arrest is not well understood. Many victims have no history of heart disease, or if heart disease is present, it has not functionally impaired the victim. Unlike a heart attack, which is the death of muscle tissue from loss of blood supply, many victims of SCA have no prior symptoms. SCA can strike anyone, at any time, anywhere. Without CPR and early defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease significantly (7-10%) with each minute that passes.
How should SCA be treated?
Immediate treatment includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This treatment must be provided within moments of collapse to be effective, preferably within three to five minutes. Even the fastest emergency medical services personnel may not be able to reach a victim this quickly. That is why prompt action by bystanders is so critical and why it is so important that more laypersons learn CPR and how to use an AED.
Who is at risk for SCA?
SCA often occurs in active people who seem to be healthy and have no known medical conditions. In these patients, SCA is the first indication of a heart condition. However, some people can be identified in advance as being at risk for SCA. Risk factors include:
Is sudden cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack?
A heart attack is compromised blood flow to the heart muscle, and causes symptoms such as chest, arm or jaw pain or tightness, shortness of breath, pale skin and sweating. Conversely, sudden cardiac arrest typically happens without symptoms or warning, and is sudden, potentially reversible death. Most often caused by an “electrical problem” in the heart, SCA occurs when the heart's ventricles suddenly develop a rapid, irregular rhythm called "ventricular fibrillation" or "v-fib," which causes the ventricles to quiver chaotically rather than contract. This chaotic quivering of the ventricles prevents the heart from pumping blood and oxygen to the body's vital organs, causing the sudden cardiac arrest victim to collapse within seconds. Within minutes, brain death and permanent death begin to occur.
Only immediate treatment with external defibrillation (use of an AED) and CPR can reverse death from sudden cardiac arrest. Time is a critical factor in restoring the person's vital functions. Each minute that passes without defibrillation decreases a SCA victim's chance of survival by 7-10%.
What is an AED?
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a device that automatically analyzes heart rhythms and advises the operator to deliver a shock if necessary. Save a Life Denver exclusively uses Philips HeartStart FRx Defibrillators. These devices were selected based on their ease-to-use design, durability, reliability and safety. Lay responders can use AEDs safely and effectively with minimal training.
How does an AED work?
A computer inside the defibrillator analyzes the victim's heart rhythm. The device detects whether a shock is needed and will use a voice prompt to alert the user of the necessary steps to take to administer a life-saving shock. The voice will advise the responder about how to properly apply the device and whether or not to administer a shock. If a shock is required, it will be delivered through pads adhered to the victim's bare chest (and the device recognizes if special pads should be used for a child compared to an adult). The shock stuns the heart, stopping abnormal heart activity, and allowing a normal heart rhythm to resume.
Who can use an AED?
The Philips HeartStart FRx AED is designed to be used by any motivated bystander, regardless of training. It automatically analyzes heart rhythms to determine if defibrillation is advised, then calmly guides the user through CPR and defibrillation instructions. A shock cannot be administered if it is not needed. CPR/AED training is important since almost all victims also need CPR, and training helps responders understand the broader context of the cardiac chain of survival.
Can I accidentally hurt the victim with an AED?
No. Most SCA victims will die if they are not treated immediately. Your actions can only help. The HeartStart FRx AEDs are designed in such a way that they will only shock victims who need to be shocked.
Can I hurt myself or others with an AED?
No, not if you use it 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, making sure that other bystanders keep a safe distance from the victim, and following voice instructions from the AED device will help to ensure the safety of you, the victim, and other rescuers and bystanders.
Do AEDs replace the use of CPR?
No. CPR is still very important and high quality CPR can greatly improve the chances of survival. When you join Save A Life Denver, you will receive discounts on American Red Cross Full Service CPR/AED classes to meet the proper training requirements and to help you understand the importance of CPR in the cardiac chain of survival.
What type of AED is used by Save A Life Denver?
Save A Life Denver exclusively uses Philips HeartStart FRx Defibrillators. These devices were selected based on their top quality design, ease-of-use, reliability and durability. Due to the stressful nature of any life-saving situation the HeartStart FRx offers on-demand CPR coaching to help a stressed responder recall their CPR/AED training. At 3.5 pounds, it is also among the smallest and lightest defibrillators.
Do I have to have a prescription to acquire an AED?
A prescription from a physician is required for purchasing most AED models. Save A Life Denver program partner Denver Health, will provide medical oversight for all AEDs (both free and discounted devices) as part of our program to ensure appropriate protocols are met in accordance with Colorado State Law.
How do I register my AED with local emergency responders?
To register devices, go to Denver 911
Am I protected under “Good Samaritan Laws?”
Yes. It’s very important to note that any person who in good faith renders care using an AED for a person in cardiac arrest is granted immunity from liability under Good Samaritan Laws that all 50 states have, including Colorado. Below are some good examples of legislation that has been enacted to encourage the adoption of AED programs, including state specific AED laws:
Is there a liability concern with having an AED?
There is a misperception that having an AED places greater liability on the entity that installs the device. Any person who in good faith renders care using an AED for a person in cardiac arrest is granted immunity from liability under Good Samaritan Laws that most states have, Colorado included. The clinical benefits of having AEDs far outweigh the minimal legal risks. Both federal and state legislation (CASA, etc.) has been enacted to encourage the adoption of Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) programs for businesses, schools and organizations, and to minimize concerns around liability. While there has not been significant litigation regarding AEDs, there have been a few cases involving the failure to have or use an AED. This would indicate that having AEDs may actually offer lower legal risks than going without. As was the case with airbags, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, AEDs are becoming firmly established in the realm of public safety due to the growing recognition of the effectiveness of AEDs when it comes to saving lives. AEDs are becoming more prevalent in public places such as airports, schools, shopping centers, theaters, and other places where people regularly gather.
What is the cost of the AED with the 47% discount?
The total discounted price of the defibrillator through the Save A Life Denver program is $1,174. This price is valid through July 2013.
What are my payment options when purchasing a discounted AED?
The American Red Cross will not invoice you for your defibrillator (Red Cross only invoices for CPR/AED training). Philips Healthcare will invoice you for your defibrillator after you have sent your completed AED order form to the Red Cross. Your payment options are via credit/debit card, purchase order, or company check. For individuals interested in purchasing an AED for home/personal use: It is not possible to have an installment plan for purchasing your defibrillator.
The American Red Cross Mile High Chapter helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, hundreds of volunteers helped victims of nearly 300 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to tens of thousands; and provided support to U.S. service members and their families in Colorado. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time and money to do its work.
Philips is the worldwide leader in automated external defibrillators (AED). The Philips HeartStart FRx AED is the exclusive lifesaving device for Save A Life Denver. Designed for conditions too demanding for many other AEDs, the Philips HeartStart FRx was selected for Save A Life Denver because of its reliability, durability, and easy-to-use design.
Denver Health is the Rocky Mountain Region’s academic Level 1 trauma center, and the safety net hospital for the Denver area. The Denver Health system, which integrates acute and emergency care with public and community health, includes the Rocky Mountain Regional Trauma Center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, Denver Health Paramedic Division, eight family health centers, 12 school-based health centers, the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, NurseLine, Correctional Care, Denver CARES, Denver Public Health, the Denver Health Foundation and the Rocky Mountain Center for Medical Response to Terrorism, Mass Casualties and Epidemics.
In addition to providing medical oversight for each AED distributed through the Save A Life Denver program, Denver Health will conduct detailed site assessments to determine AED need at each of the Save A Life Denver participating organizations. During site assessments, Denver Health will determine the number of recommended AEDs at each facility, as well as the recommended location for AEDs at said facility.
Denver Health will guide and oversee the safety, installation and post-installation of the AEDs at each participating organization, and will work with each building facility manager (or appointed Program Liaison) to ensure safety and compliance.
9News is Colorado’s news leader and has teamed up with Save A Life Denver as media partner to support the program through a mass media campaign including Public Service Announcements (PSAs), community events and news coverage.
9News has been the leader in Colorado news for more than 30 years, reaching over 2 million adults each week—they carry more than 54 hours of local news per week. 9News is also a leader in the community with distinguished outreach programs such as the 9Health Fair, 9Cares Colorado Shares and 9Who Care.
The role of the Save A Life Denver Advisory Council is to provide expertise and best practices guidance in to the direction of the Save A Life Denver PAD program, in order to best serve the needs of the community with regard to widespread access to AEDs. The Advisory Council is comprised of various community partners, including the City of Denver Office of Emergency Management, Denver 911, Denver Fire, EMS Council, Denver Health Paramedics, the Denver Health Foundation, CHAMPS, and others that work in collaboration with the American Red Cross to inform the Save A Life Denver program. The Save A Life Denver Advisory Council meets on a monthly basis. Members include:
Joseph Badalpour | Senior Accountant, Denver Health Foundation
Dennis Baker | Paramedic Lieutenant, Denver Health and Hospital Authority
Scott Bookman | Chief Paramedic, Denver Health and Hospital Authority
Christopher Colwell | Associate Director, Emergency Medicine/Medical Director Denver Fire Dept. &
Denver Paramedic Div., Denver Health
Aaron Eberhardt | MD, Denver Health
Alan Groussman | EMS, Denver Health
Paula Herzmark | Executive Director, Denver Health Foundation
Julie Hulstein | Executive Director, Community Health Association of Mountain/Plains States (CHAMPS)
Adeeb Khan | Director of Volunteerism, Mile High United Way
Stephen Maddock | Division Chief, Operations, Denver Fire Department
Michael Morris | Paramedic Lieutenant, Denver Health and Hospital Authority
Donald Randolph | Captain, Denver Fire Department, Operations Division
James Robinson | Operations Chief, Denver Health and Hospital Authority
Mike Shepherd | Captain, Denver Fire Department
Carl Simpson | Executive Director, Denver 911
Frank Sullivan | Professor
Lynne Valencia | Vice President of Community Relations, 9News
Gwen Wernersbach | Program Administrator, Save A Life Denver, Mile High Red Cross
Other key community partners include:
Denver 911
Denver EMS Council
Denver Fire Department
Denver City Council
City of Denver
Denver Health Foundation
Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
Building Owners and Managers Association
What is the American Red Cross doing to increase public access to AEDs?
In addition to being the leading training agency for first aid, CPR and AED information and skills, the Red Cross is committed to strengthening existing state and federal legislation that extends the reach of AEDs in the community. For the last several years, the American Red Cross has championed legislation to increase public access to defibrillation. We are also working in underserved communities and in areas where cardiac arrest risk is high in order to make AEDs available and accessible for public use.
What type of classes does the American Red Cross offer for AED training?
The American Red Cross trains individuals to overcome any reluctance to act in emergency situations and to recognize and care for life threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in adults. We teach participants to:
Is your business prepared? American Red Cross Corporate Preparedness.
Sudden cardiac arrest claims more than 300,000 lives per year. Does your business have an AED? Get one.
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Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to
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"With the help of trained citizen responders and widespread access to AEDs, we can work together to save many
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"In an emergency we are all first responders. We are happy to support the Red Cross and its many local partners in their preparedness efforts to make our community safer."
Save A Life Denver received a grant to place 1,000 AEDs throughout the City and County of Denver at no cost. Denver-area businesses are encouraged to apply.
Help us reach our goal of placing
1,000 AEDs in Denver by 2013!
