“Good Morning America,” today reported on
sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), emphasizing the importance of prompt use of
automated external defibrillators (AEDs) when SCA strikes. ABC News’ senior
health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser demonstrated the proper way to use
AEDs, noting that 50,000 lives can be saved each year if an AED is used
properly. He also said SCA is entirely different from a heart attack and almost
always leads to death if someone does not intervene within a few minutes of the
victim’s collapse. In addition, he said lay bystanders should not shy away from
helping because of legal liability concerns, since they are protected by Good
Samaritan legislation.
While the devices are intuitive to use, Besser recommended
training in CPR and AED use, so potential rescuers are more comfortable with
intervening when sudden cardiac emergencies occur.
More: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/save-life-aeds/story?id=11236705