The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Study Finds Mechanical Chest Compressions Are Equally As Effective As Manual CPR
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands--Mechanical chest compressions with defibrillation during ongoing compressions are just as effective, but not superior to manual compressions, for delivering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to patients in cardiac arrest, according to the results of the LUCAS in Cardiac Arrest study. "The study was designed to show a… Read More
Physical Activity Reduces Sudden Cardiac Death Risk in Unfit Men
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands--Physical activity decreases the risk of sudden cardiac death in unfit men, reveals research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress today by Dr. Jari Laukkanen and Dr. Magnus Hagnas from Finland. Dr Laukkanen said: "Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for approximately 50% of deaths from coronary heart… Read More
French Study: Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival Just Seven Percent
Therapeutic hypothermia and early coronary reperfusion were both significantly associated with survival AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands--Survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is just 7%, according to research presented at European Society of Cardiology Congress 2013 by Professor Xavier Jouven and Dr Wulfran Bougouin from France. According to… Read More
Despite Law, AEDs Are Few and Far Between in Memphis
While new buildings that hold at least 300 people are required to have AEDs, existing places like grocery stores, restaurants and theaters don't have the lifesaving equipment. MEMPHIS, TN--Strange as it may seem for two men whose hearts had abruptly stopped beating, but Kenneth Richmond and George Turner consider themselves lucky. Richmond… Read More
Bystanders Intimidated by AEDs
Devices are easy to use; give victims best chance at life What could you do if you saw someone collapse in sudden cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart stops beating and which can kill in minutes? Calling 911, checking for breathing and a pulse, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) -- all are part of the chain of survival. But the… Read More
Using Drones to Deliver AEDs to Cardiac Arrest Victims
A German technology non-profit has put together an autonomous octocopter that can carry a defibrillator, aiming to get to patients faster than an ambulance. Fredrich Nölle from Definetz presented the system in the town of Halle in North Rhine Westphalia. It's optimized for remote areas, and allows emergency services or the public to call a… Read More
AED Laws Cause Confusion
Patchwork of Regulations Discourages Use of AEDs There is no dispute that portable defibrillators, simple-to-use device that supply jolts to shock a stilled heart to beat again, could save tens of thousands of lives a year in this country alone if they are accessible to willing bystanders. But across America, there is anything but agreement among… Read More
AEDs: Little Known, Seen
AEDs could save 20,000 cardiac arrest victims a year if locations known, public aware Michael Abt, a 12-year-old middle-schooler from Vero Beach, Fla., Josh Miller, a high-school middle linebacker from Barberton, Ohio, and Connecticut lawyer Michael Sage, 29, all died when their hearts suddenly stopped beating. But though their hearts also… Read More
New Implanted Defibrillator Works Well Without Touching Heart
Study Highlights: A new type of defibrillator implanted under the skin can detect dangerously abnormal heart rhythms and deliver shocks without wires touching the heart. In a six-month study, the defibrillator surpassed FDA goals for safety and effectiveness. The device received FDA approval in 2012 but still requires long-term study. DALLAS--A… Read More