30 Minutes Without a Pulse: How to Survive Sudden Cardiac Arrest
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October 23, 2009
Five years ago, Dawn Blake suffered sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and spent more than 30 minutes without signs of life. Doctors were eventually able to restore her vital functions, although she remained unconscious for four days, and her story is now publicized as part of a nationwide campaign to increase awareness of SCA.
The 37-year-old owes her life to her husband, who started CPR, and to police who applied an automated external defibrillator (AED). However, her survival chances were significantly enhanced because the paramedics who arrived within ten minutes had undergone the Take Heart Minnesota training in high performance CPR.
Blake's story is featured in October - which is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month - by the Take Heart Minnesota initiative. It is part of the nationwide Take Heart America campaign which aims to increase SCA survival rates through enhanced training and technologies for the general public, first responders, emergency medical services and hospitals.
According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, the condition kills approximately 250,000 Americans each year. Experts say knowing the symptoms of SCA - which include loss of consciousness as well as loss of normal breathing, pulse and blood pressure - and calling 911 immediately, can make a big difference.
Being able to apply CPR and use an AED are some of the best ways to increase the chances of survival in those who have suffered an episode.
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, which accepts donations, offers comprehensive resources that can help survivors get back to normal life and thrive.
Five years ago, Dawn Blake suffered sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and spent more than 30 minutes without signs of life. Doctors were eventually able to restore her vital functions, although she remained unconscious for four days, and her story is now publicized as part of a nationwide campaign to increase awareness of SCA.
The 37-year-old owes her life to her husband, who started CPR, and to police who applied an automated external defibrillator (AED). However, her survival chances were significantly enhanced because the paramedics who arrived within ten minutes had undergone the Take Heart Minnesota training in high performance CPR.
Blake's story is featured in October - which is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month - by the Take Heart Minnesota initiative. It is part of the nationwide Take Heart America campaign which aims to increase SCA survival rates through enhanced training and technologies for the general public, first responders, emergency medical services and hospitals.
According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, the condition kills approximately 250,000 Americans each year. Experts say knowing the symptoms of SCA - which include loss of consciousness as well as loss of normal breathing, pulse and blood pressure - and calling 911 immediately, can make a big difference.
Being able to apply CPR and use an AED are some of the best ways to increase the chances of survival in those who have suffered an episode.
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, which accepts donations, offers comprehensive resources that can help survivors get back to normal life and thrive.
