What does SCA stand for?
SCA stands for "Sudden Cardiac Arrest".

What does CPR stand for?
CPR stands for "CardioPulmonary Resuscitation".

What does AED stand for?
AED stands for "Automated External Defibrillator" or "Automatic External Defibrillator".

What does PAD stand for?
PAD stands for "Public Access Defibrillator".

What Happens in a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Victims of SCA are unresponsive, lose consciousness, stop breathing, and have no pulse. Most often, the victim is suffering from a heart rhythm disorder called ventricular fibrillation (VF). In this case, the victim needs CPR and defibrillation-an electric shock to correct the heart's rhythm-as soon as possible. VF can happen to anyone-even someone who appears perfectly healthy.
(AED Instructor Foundation)

Chances Are...You Will See It Happen.
Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) help save lives. In the US, about 1,000 people every day suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). You've probably seen what this looks like on TV. But when it happens to someone right in front of you, whether to a loved one or a stranger, a colleague or a customer, it is a sight you never forget. More than anything, you want to help. And you can. You are the victim's best chance for survival.
(AED Instructor Foundation)

I'm Not a Paramedic. What Can I Do?
With every passing minute, the chance for the victim's survival decreases up to 10%. As fast as paramedics are, they can't be everywhere in less than 3 minutes. By providing immediate treatment, you can dramatically increase the victim's chances of survival. You can deliver defibrillation using a device called an automated external defibrillator, or AED. The latest AEDs are remarkably lightweight and simple to use. With basic training, anyone can be a lifesaver. The AED can detect if the victim needs defibrillation, and then talk you through the rescue while showing you pictures to remind you how to proceed. Some can even coach you through CPR.
(AED Instructor Foundation)

AEDs Aren't Just in Ambulances Anymore.
Public access defibrillation-putting AEDs in public places where layperson's can use them-is already a stunning success story. The number of places AED programs are being implemented grows rapidly each year. Look for the AED symbol at:

• Golf Courses
• Schools
• Community Centers
• Manufacturing Facilities
• Places of Worship
• Airplanes & Airports
• Casinos
• Police & Fire Vehicles
• Restaurants
• Health Clubs
• Hotels
• Convention Centers
• Office Buildings

What is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?
An Automated External Defibrillator utilizes an electrical shock to restore a heart's normal rhythm/correct an abnormal rhythm known as an arrhythmia. The most common type of arrhythmia in a cardiac arrest, victim is known as ventricular fibrillation, (VF). Defibrillation is the only know therapy for VF.

Automated External Defibrillators are manufactured in different models. They are portable, lightweight, and can be stored easily. An AED can be used safely in buildings/offices or transit vehicles. These highly reliable machines are already successfully utilized by the airline industry. Automated External Defibrillators are an inexpensive way to protect your staff and public from being another fallen victim of cardiac arrest.

How does an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) work?
An AED works by first turning the AED unit on and listening to the voice prompts. Place the defibrillator/electrically conductive adhesive pads on a cardiac arrest victim’s chest according to the AEDs instructions/diagram. Placement of the defibrillator pads can vary according to the model of AED. The AED automatically analyzes the victim’s heart rhythm and determines when to apply the electrical shock/defibrillate. Semi-automatic AEDs require the lay-rescuer to push the shock button. Fully automatic AEDs will shock without the lay-rescuer having to push the shock button. If the victim is not in a shockable rhythm, the AED should then prompt the lay-rescuer to begin CPR.

How does Automated External Defibrillator (AED) change a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival?
According to the American Heart Association, (AHA), for every minute that passes without defibrillation, a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival "DECREASES" by, 7 to 10 %. The average response time for emergency medical services arriving with defibrillation equipment is 12 MINUTES. After 10 MINUTES pass without defibrillation," resuscitation of the victim is "Rarely Accomplished". Studies show that Automated External Defibrillators increase a cardiac arrest victim's chances of survival dramatically. In short, Automated External Defibrillators "SAVES LIVES".

What law says?
RI law will require by January, 2005 that all health/athletic facilities have an Automated External Defibrillators unit and many states will follow soon. Automated External Defibrillators education and training can be found via the AHA. Most states have a Good Samaritan Law which will protect a lay rescuer who attempts cardiopulmonary resuscitation with or without an Automated External Defibrillators.