Over 300,000 people die every year in the United States, because of sudden cardiac arrest, in short every 1.7 minutes a person dies because of this condition. With such threatening statistics, it is only natural that every person has the need to be informed about what he can do to prevent it and also learn the techniques associated with the treatment of this condition.

Caused by a condition called as ventricular defibrillation, this heart condition is a very dangerous one as it strikes without a warning. Some of the symptoms of this condition are – fainting spells, breathlessness, chest pain and having previous heart disease history. A person experiencing this condition has to be treated in minutes, failing which, will lead to the death of the person.

An automated external defibrillator or an AED is used to give an electric shock to the person suffering from this condition. This shock seeks to correct the irregular heart rate and get it back to normal. An AED has an inbuilt computer which checks the vital statistics of the patient and then instructs the user with the help of a voice prompt or by displaying the instructions on the screen about the next step that has to be taken.

Though it is very easy to operate, it is very important to learn the procedure perfectly. Many states have passed laws making AED’s compulsory in schools, workplaces and especially in places where athletic events are conducted. Physical activities and sports increase the heart rate and as such can lead to this condition.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes in the United States.  According to reports, there is a case of sudden cardiac arrest every three days among young athletes. The overall survival rate is about eleven percent. With such alarming statistics, there is every need for AED’s to be placed at every athletic centre.

Schools offering to host athletic events or having gym facilities should also have AED’s placed at accessible locations. A sudden cardiac arrest can attack without any notice and as such proper training should be given to all the students and teachers irrespective of their age because only a trained person can operate an AED properly.

Inexperience in operating the AED might waste precious time and cost the life of a student. It should be made compulsory to have AED’s at all public areas and also to be made sure that the AED’s are easily accessible. It is also preferred if children are first made to go through a medical examination which can indicate potential heart problems and this can help vulnerable children to be kept away from exhausting activities that might lead to a sudden cardiac arrest.

Thus, if these measures are taken to protect young athletes and sportsmen, then the number of people experiencing this heart condition can drastically reduce and in this way we can make sure that all children are safe and protected from the dangers of this condition.