Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Canada: What You Need to Know

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a critical health emergency that can strike without warning, affecting thousands of Canadians each year. Understanding the facts about SCA and the crucial role of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can mean the difference between life and death.

Sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack. It occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in blood flow, SCA is an electrical malfunction that causes the heart to stop pumping effectively.

Key Statistics in Canada

Approximately 50,000 cardiac arrests occur in Canada each year
Only 10% of people survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrests
Nearly 1 Canadian dies from sudden cardiac arrest every 12 minutes

The Critical Role of AEDs

LifePak CR2 Defibrillator in a AED Wall Bracket Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are portable devices that can be lifesavers during a sudden cardiac arrest. These devices are designed to:

Analyze the heart's rhythm
Deliver an electrical shock to restore normal heart function
Be used by people with minimal training

Where AEDs are Located in Canada

AEDs are increasingly common in:

Public spaces
Airports
Shopping centers
Community centers
Schools
Workplaces
Retail Stores
Condominiums
Commercial buildings
Sports facilities

Survival Depends on Immediate Action

The chances of survival decrease by 7-10% for each minute that passes without intervention. The most critical steps are:

Recognize the signs of sudden cardiac arrest
Call 911 immediately
Begin CPR
Use an AED as quickly as possible

Who is Most at Risk?

While anyone can experience sudden cardiac arrest, higher-risk groups include:

Individuals over 45 years old
People with pre-existing heart conditions
Those with a family history of heart disease
Individuals with sedentary lifestyles
People with high blood pressure or diabetes

Legal Requirements and AED Availability in Canada

As of 2024, Canadian provinces have varying regulations regarding AED placement:

Ontario has passed a law to begin to require AEDs in many public buildings
British Columbia mandates AEDs in certain public spaces
Other provinces are developing similar legislation

Getting Trained: What Canadians Should Know

While AEDs are designed to be user-friendly, proper training can increase confidence and effectiveness:

Take a local CPR and AED certification course
Learn to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest
Understand basic emergency response techniques

Conclusion

Sudden cardiac arrest is a serious health issue that requires community awareness and preparedness. By understanding the facts, knowing how to use an AED, and acting quickly, Canadians can significantly improve survival rates and save lives.

Remember: Your quick action can be the difference between life and death.

Contact AED.ca with any AED questions. They are Canada's AED Company!

Zoll AED 3 with 2 pads attached by wires