Frequently Asked Questions: 

1.  What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? 

Sudden cardiac arrest means that the heart unexpectedly and abruptly quits beating. This is usually caused by an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. 

2.  Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest the same as a heart attack?

No. A heart attack is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, resulting in the death of the heart muscle. Heart attack victims usually (but not always) experience chest pain and usually remain conscious. Heart attacks are serious and sometimes will 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. 

3.  How is ventricular fibrillation treated?

The only effective treatment for VF is an electrical shock called defibrillation. Defibrillation is an electrical current applied to the chest. The electrical current passes through the heart with the goal of stopping the VF and giving an opportunity for the heart's normal electrical system to take control. This current helps the heart reorganize the electrical activity so it can pump blood again. An automated external defibrillator (AED) can defibrillate the heart. 

4.  What is an Automated External Defibrillator or AED?

Is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient,and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.

AEDs are designed to be simple to use for the layman, and the use of AEDs is taught in many first aid, first responder and basic life support (BLS) level CPR classes.

5.  How does an AED work?

A microprocessor inside the defibrillator interprets (analyzes) the victim's heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes. The computer analyzes the heart rhythm and advises the operator whether a shock is needed. AED's advise a shock only for ventricular fibrillation and fast ventricular tachycardia. The electric current is delivered through the victim's chest wall through adhesive electrode pads.

6.  Why are AED's important?

AED's strength the chain of survival. They can restore a normal heart rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest victims. Also, new portable models allow more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. When a person suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, for each minute that passes without defibrillation, their chance of survival decreases by 7-10 percent. AED's save lives! 
 
7.  What's public access to defibrillation?

Public access to defibrillation (PAD) means making AEDs available in public and/or private places where large numbers of people gather or people who are at high risk for heart attacks live. Learn more about Public Access to Defibrillation by the American Heart Association.


8.  Should I do CPR first or apply the AED?

Do CPR only until the AED arrives. Apply the electrodes to the patient's bare chest and follow the voice prompts and messages of the AED. It will tell you when to resume CPR. CPR is a holding action until the heart is defibrillated. 


9.  If defibrillation is so important, why should I do CPR?

CPR provides some circulation of oxygen rich blood to the victim's heart and brain. This circulation delays both brain death and the death of heart muscle. CPR buys some time until the AED can arrive and also makes the heart more likely to respond to defibrillation.

10.  I hear the AED has a IP rating, what does that mean?

The IP Code defined in international standard IEC 60529 classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures. It consists of the letters IP (for "international protection rating" sometimes also interpreted as ("ingress protection rating") followed by two digits and an optional letter. The standard aims to provide users more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as "waterproof".

The following AEDs have the highest to lowest IP rating:

  • HeartSine Samaritan PAD: IP56
  • Medtronic LP1000: IP55
  • Philips FRx: IP55
  • Zoll AED Plus: IP55
  • Philips FR2: IP54
  • Defibtech Lifeline: IP54
  • Welch Allyn AED 10: IP24
  • Cardiac Science G3: IP24
  • Philips Onsite: IP21
  • Medtronic CR Plus: IPX4*


*Splashing Water, Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect.