Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month: How You Can Help Save a Life

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

Each year, October marks Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month—a crucial time to educate ourselves, raise awareness, and most importantly, empower individuals to take action. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet survival rates can dramatically improve with quick intervention.

What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is not the same as a heart attack. It occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. If not treated within minutes, it usually results in death.

Here are some key facts:

  • SCA affects over 350,000 people outside of hospitals in the U.S. every year.
  • Nearly 90% of SCA events are fatal.
  • However, survival rates can more than double when bystanders act quickly.

Time = Life: Why Bystander Action Is Critical

When someone collapses from SCA, every second counts. For every minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by 7–10%. That’s why bystander intervention is essential.

Immediate steps that can save a life:

  1. Call 911.
  2. Start CPR.
  3. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if available.
How You Can Make a Difference

You don’t have to be a healthcare professional to save a life. Here are simple but powerful ways you can make a direct impact:

1. Learn Hands-Only CPR

Hands-only CPR is simple to learn and effective:

  • Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
  • Aim for about 100–120 compressions per minute (to the beat of songs like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees).

You can learn CPR in a short in-person class or even online. Organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and Red Cross offer accessible courses.

2. Know Where AEDs Are Located

AEDs are designed for public use and are found in airports, schools, gyms, malls, and offices. Knowing where they are—and not being afraid to use them—can make all the difference.

3. Advocate for AED Access

Many schools, sports facilities, and public places still lack AEDs. Advocate in your community or workplace for better access and emergency preparedness.

4. Support or Host Awareness Events

During SCA Awareness Month, join or organize CPR training sessions, social media campaigns, or fundraising events for local heart health organizations.

Behind every statistic is a human life. Many survivors owe their lives to the courage and quick action of everyday people who stepped in. By learning CPR and spreading awareness, you could be someone’s hero.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month is not just about information—it’s about action. Whether you’re a teacher, student, coach, parent, or coworker, your willingness to learn CPR and use an AED could be the difference between life and death.

This October, take the pledge: Be informed. Be prepared. Be a lifesaver.

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

National Youth Sports Week: Championing Safety, Preparedness, and Lifesaving Action on the Field

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

Every year, National Youth Sports Week celebrates the positive impact of youth sports in building healthier, stronger, and more confident kids. Organized by the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS), this week is more than just a spotlight on games and athletic achievements — it’s a call to action for parents, coaches, volunteers, and communities to create safe, inclusive, and well-prepared environments for our young athletes.

As we celebrate youth sports across the country, we must also shine a light on a serious — yet often overlooked — issue: the potential for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) at youth sporting events.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes on the field. It can strike without warning — during practice, competition, or even moments of rest. While it’s rare, SCA is often fatal if not treated within minutes. Every second counts.

The reality is clear: Preparedness saves lives.

As part of National Youth Sports Week, NCYS encourages everyone involved in youth sports to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to health and safety. Here’s how you can take part:

 Learn the Signs of SCA
  • Sudden collapse
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Abnormal breathing or no breathing
  • Seizure-like activity during collapse

Recognizing these signs quickly is the first step toward saving a life.

 Ensure AEDs Are On-Site and Accessible
  • Having a working AED within 3 minutes of every athletic field or facility is critical. Work with local sports organizations and schools to:
  • Install AEDs at all venues
  • Keep them clearly marked and unlocked
  • Conduct regular maintenance checks
 Establish Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
  • Every team and venue should have a written and rehearsed plan in the event of a medical emergency. These plans should:
  • Designate roles for team members or volunteers
  • Identify AED locations
  • Outline steps to take during SCA
Join the Movement: Empower, Equip, and Educate

National Youth Sports Week is the perfect time to rally your team, league, or school around youth safety initiatives. Whether it’s hosting a CPR/AED workshop, checking your field’s emergency preparedness, or advocating for better access to lifesaving equipment, your actions matter.

Let’s make sure that every child who steps on a field, court, or track is not only encouraged to do their best — but is also protected by a community that’s prepared for the unexpected.

Let’s Play it Safe. Let’s Play it Smart. Let’s Play Prepared.

Join the National Council of Youth Sports in promoting health, safety, and awareness during National Youth Sports Week and beyond.

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

A Bilingual AED Isn’t Just Helpful — It’s Life-Saving

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

When sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes, every second counts. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have revolutionized emergency response, giving everyday people the power to act fast and save lives before medical professionals arrive. But even with an AED in place, there’s one often-overlooked feature that can mean the difference between life and death: bilingual functionality.

In a world where communities are becoming increasingly diverse, a bilingual AED is not just a convenience—it’s a critical tool for inclusivity, confidence, and effective action in a crisis.

1. Language Barriers Can Delay Action

In high-stress emergency situations, clear communication is essential. If someone doesn’t fully understand the instructions an AED is giving—especially under pressure—they may hesitate, misuse the device, or avoid acting altogether. When an AED can instantly switch between English and Spanish (or another relevant language), it ensures more people can confidently use it, regardless of their first language.

2. Inclusivity Saves Lives

Imagine a bystander who is willing to help, but English isn’t their strong suit. A bilingual AED empowers that person to take immediate action without fear of misunderstanding. It turns potential bystanders into active responders. This feature alone increases the chances that someone will step in—and that the intervention will be effective.

3. Training Isn’t Always Enough

Even if someone has taken CPR or AED training, that training may have been in their native language. In the moment of crisis, people fall back on what they know best. Bilingual AEDs help bridge the gap between training and real-world action by providing guidance in the language that feels most intuitive.

4. Wider Reach in Public Spaces

From airports and schools to community centers and offices, AEDs are becoming a standard part of emergency preparedness. But in regions with high populations of non-English speakers, a monolingual AED may unintentionally exclude a large portion of the public. A bilingual AED expands accessibility, making sure everyone has the chance to be a hero.

5. It’s a Simple Upgrade with Massive Impact

The good news? Adding bilingual capabilities to AEDs is a relatively simple software or design choice. And yet the impact is massive. This small tweak can dramatically improve usage rates and outcomes in diverse communities.

A bilingual AED isn’t just a smart feature—it’s a life-saving necessity. It reflects a commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and community safety. If you’re responsible for purchasing or maintaining AEDs in your workplace, school, or public space, consider how this one feature could empower more people to act quickly, confidently, and effectively.

In an emergency, the right words can save a life—make sure your AED is ready to speak them.

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