Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating normally because of abnormal electrical activity. Signs of cardiac arrest include the person being unresponsive, even if you shake or shout at them, or if the person isn’t breathing or is only gasping.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops being properly. It is an electrical problem where the heart is not able to pump blood to the rest of the body. This causes a person to become unresponsive and to stop breathing normally. Although the term cardiac arrest is sometimes used interchangeably with heart attack, they are not the same thing. A heart attack is a circulation problem where an artery becomes blocked and oxygen cannot get to the heart. If the artery is not opened quickly, the heart become damaged.

Cardiac arrest may be reversed if cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is performed and the patient is defibrillated with an automated external defibrillator (AED). CPR helps maintain blood flow, and an AED shocks the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm. An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to someone in cardiac arrest. Once opened and turned on, an AED will provide automatic and easy-to-follow instructions on how to use. It is safe to use and can be used by anyone. 

If a teen or adult suddenly collapses or is found unresponsive:

1. Check: To see if they are responsive and breathing normally.
2. Call: 911
3. Compress: Place hands in the center of the chest. Push hard and fast until help arrives.
4. Connect: Connect an AED. Turn it on. Follow the instructions. AED may arrive by drone.

It is easy to use an AED. Once you open and turn it on, it provides step-by-step audio instructions for use. You can not hurt someone by using an AED.

AED drones are flown by trained drone pilots who respond to a 911 call and deploy a drone closest to the scene the same way 911 also sends an ambulance and/or fire truck. 

Yes, in every case, when 911 receives a cardiac arrest call, an ambulance and/or fire truck will be deployed to the scene at the same time as the AED drone. Either one can provide lifesaving assistance and the goal is to get there fastest.