Honoring Heroes by Saving Lives: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness in Military Communities

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

May is Military Appreciation Month—a time to honor the service, sacrifice, and strength of the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. As we salute our military heroes, it’s also a fitting moment to raise awareness about a silent threat that affects even the healthiest individuals: Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

SCA is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. It differs from a heart attack—while a heart attack is a circulation problem, SCA is an electrical malfunction. Without immediate intervention, SCA can lead to death within minutes.

Why It Matters for the Military

Service members are often perceived as the pinnacle of health and endurance. However, SCA does not discriminate. In fact, data shows that even young, fit individuals—like active-duty personnel—are not immune to sudden cardiac events.

  • According to the Department of Defense, over 100 cases of SCA occur annually among military personnel.
  • Exercise and high-stress environments, common in military training and deployments, can unmask undetected heart conditions.
  • Studies have shown that most SCA cases in military settings occur during or shortly after physical exertion, making preparedness critical.
Seconds Matter: The Role of AEDs

When someone experiences SCA, every minute without defibrillation decreases the chance of survival by 7–10%. CPR is crucial, but defibrillation is what restarts the heart. That’s where AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) come in.

Why AEDs Save Lives:
  • Easy to use, even without medical training.
  • Provides clear voice prompts to guide the user.
  • Can be used within seconds to deliver a life-saving shock.

In military bases, gyms, barracks, and training facilities, having readily accessible AEDs can mean the difference between life and death.

Awareness is the First Line of Defense

The more people who understand what SCA is and how to respond, the more lives can be saved. For military families, veterans, and active-duty members, here’s what you can do:

  • Learn CPR and how to use an AED.
  • Ask about AED locations on your base, gym, or work site.
  • Advocate for regular screenings, especially for recruits and service members engaged in high-intensity training.
  • Support programs that increase AED access in military housing, schools, and public areas.
Real Stories, Real Impact

There are countless stories of lives saved because someone nearby knew CPR or had access to an AED. In 2022, an Air Force member collapsed during a routine PT session—thanks to quick action and an on-site AED, he survived and returned to full duty.

Honor Through Action

This Military Appreciation Month, let’s honor our heroes not just with words, but with life-saving awareness and preparedness.  Whether you’re a service member, veteran, family member, or civilian supporter, you have a role to play in the chain of survival.

Because heroes deserve every chance to come home safely—even from a silent threat like Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: info@aed365.com

Honoring Our Everyday Heroes: Celebrating EMS Week

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

Every year during the third week of May, communities across the United States come together to recognize and celebrate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week—a time dedicated to honoring the brave individuals who serve as the first line of care in times of crisis. These professionals, often the first on the scene, are more than just responders; they are true heroes who deliver life-saving support when every second counts.

EMS professionals include paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), dispatchers, and support staff who work tirelessly, often in high-stress, unpredictable situations. Whether it’s a car accident, a cardiac arrest, or a natural disaster, EMS teams are trained to handle emergencies with skill, speed, and compassion.

These heroes don’t clock out at five or take holidays off. They work around the clock, in all weather conditions, often putting their own safety at risk to protect and care for others. Their commitment to their communities is nothing short of extraordinary.

To be in EMS is to answer a calling. It takes a special kind of person to remain calm under pressure, to act decisively when lives are on the line, and to offer comfort to patients and families in their most vulnerable moments. EMS workers are teachers, caretakers, and crisis managers all rolled into one. They are trained professionals—but also your neighbors, friends, and family members.

EMS Week isn’t just a calendar event—it’s a heartfelt reminder to express our appreciation. It’s a time to say “thank you” to the paramedics who revived a loved one, to the EMTs who showed kindness in a moment of fear, and to the dispatchers whose calm voices guide people through emergencies long before help arrives.

Hospitals, fire departments, schools, and municipalities across the nation host events, recognition ceremonies, and educational initiatives to celebrate and support EMS professionals. But beyond the banners and thank-you cards, the greatest gift we can offer is respect, advocacy, and continued investment in their training, equipment, and well-being.

As we celebrate EMS Week, let’s carry forward a deeper appreciation for the men and women who serve with courage and compassion. Let’s teach our children about the important work they do, support policies that protect and empower them, and never forget that in the most critical moments, EMS professionals are there—steadfast and ready.

To all EMS workers: Thank you. You are heroes in every sense of the word, and your service does not go unnoticed.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: info@aed365.com

The Importance of Having a Bleeding Control Kit with Your AED

Bleeding Control Kit

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

In an emergency, every second counts. Whether it’s a sudden cardiac arrest or a severe bleeding injury, having the right life-saving equipment readily available can make all the difference. Most public places, businesses, and institutions have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to provide immediate assistance in cardiac emergencies. However, there’s another critical component that should always be placed alongside an AED—a bleeding control kit.

Why a Bleeding Control Kit is Essential

1. Uncontrolled Bleeding is a Leading Cause of Preventable Death

Severe bleeding can cause death within minutes if not controlled properly. According to the Stop the Bleed initiative, a person can die from blood loss in as little as five minutes. Immediate intervention with a bleeding control kit can significantly improve survival chances, just as an AED does for sudden cardiac arrest.

2. Emergencies Are Unpredictable

Medical emergencies don’t always come in isolation. Accidents such as workplace injuries, motor vehicle collisions, active shooter situations, or even natural disasters can cause life-threatening bleeding. Having a bleeding control kit available ensures that responders can act immediately to stop the bleeding before professional medical help arrives.

3. Bridging the Gap Until First Responders Arrive

The average response time for emergency medical services (EMS) varies but can often exceed 5-10 minutes, especially in rural areas. In cases of severe hemorrhaging, a bleeding control kit provides the necessary tools to stabilize a victim, increasing their chances of survival while waiting for paramedics.

4. Complements AED Placement

AEDs are strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as schools, airports, shopping centers, and workplaces. Pairing them with bleeding control kits ensures a more comprehensive emergency response system. Just as AEDs empower bystanders to act quickly in cardiac emergencies, a bleeding control kit allows non-medical personnel to intervene in bleeding emergencies effectively.

A well-equipped bleeding control kit should contain:

  • Tourniquets – To stop severe bleeding from limb injuries
  • Hemostatic Dressings – To promote clotting and control heavy bleeding
  • Compression Bandages – To apply direct pressure to wounds
  • Trauma Shears – To cut clothing and access wounds
  • Gloves – To protect the responder and prevent contamination
  • Instructional Guide – To provide step-by-step guidance for untrained individuals

The addition of a bleeding control kit alongside an AED is a simple yet powerful step in improving emergency preparedness. Cardiac arrest and severe bleeding are both time-sensitive emergencies where early intervention can mean the difference between life and death. By ensuring that both AEDs and bleeding control kits are available in public spaces and workplaces, we can create safer environments and empower everyday people to save lives.

Take action today—check if your AED locations are equipped with a bleeding control kit, and advocate for their inclusion if they are not. Because when an emergency happens, being prepared is the best way to make a difference.

Office: (205) 417-4711
Email: info@aed365.com