Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a sudden and unexpected abnormality of the heart’s electrical system which causes the heart to stop beating normally. When this occurs, blood stops flowing properly and the victim becomes unconscious and pulseless. The BEST way to restore their heart rhythm is by administering a shock immediately.

No. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when the heart’s blood supply is reduced or blocked causing the heart muscle to become injured and start to die. During a heart attack, the victim is conscious. In fact, the victim may complain about symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or left arm pain Cardiac Arrest is an electrical problem in the heart which causes the heart to beat in an irregular, inefficient manner causing the blood to not circulate to the brain appropriately, resulting in an unconscious victim. Victims of a heart attack have a pulse but but cardiac arrest victims do not.You don’t have to remember these distinctions. When the AED instructs you to put the pads on the victim, it will sense the heart rhythm and determine the best steps to take, giving you guidance all along the way.

If a person collapses or loses consciousness, and either doesn’t have a pulse or isn’t breathing properly, intervention is required.Even if the victim is unconscious gasping for air or having seizures, use the AED.Don’t worry about diagnosing the victim correctly. The Philips AED will analyze the heart rhythm and tell you to deliver a shock, if and only if the victim needs it.All you need to do is open the AED and follow the clear, calm voice instructions.

No, not if you follow the instructions from the AED.AEDs are designed to help people whose hearts have stopped working effectively.If the AED instructs you to deliver a shock, the person you are helping is already clinically "dead".Your actions with the AED can only help.

AED's are designed to tell you exactly what you need to do. They keep pace with what you are doing and adapt it's instructions so that it doesn’t overwhelm, run ahead, or slow you down. If necessary, the AED will repeat the prompts.

The best chance to survive cardiac arrest is if high quality compressions are given and the victim is shocked within 3–5 minutes of going into cardiac arrest. Oftentimes, emergency responders can’t arrive within that small time frame, drastically reducing the victims chance of survival.

AEDs are designed so that anyone can use them immediately. However, receiving training is still the best idea. The more familiar you are with the signs of a cardiac arrest and the use of the AED, the more likely you are to be calm and helpful in an actual emergency.

Liability is a valid concern for program administrators and potential rescuers. All 50 states have Good Samaritan Laws that protect you.We recommend that you understand your local laws in your area.

Most AED's perform regular self-tests to make sure that everything is working. However, there are 2 parts that need regular replacement—the pads and the battery. Most device's have reminder lights to help you remember. In addition, each AED comes with a sticker reminder system.

Place your AED's in visible, accessible places. Choose locations that increase the chances of getting the AED to the person in cardiac arrest in less than three minutes. Outside elevators, cafeterias, and reception areas are all good locations for AED's.