Working to defeat Sudden Cardiac Death
Working to defeat Sudden Cardiac Death
View Chest Compression Only CPR Training by Steve Kerr and learn how you can possibly prevent sudden cardiac death..
If you see someone collapse unexpectedly this is usually the result of cardiac arrest. Studies have shown that by doing chest compressions only without mouth-to-mouth breathing bystanders increase the person’s chance of survival. Follow these three steps to perform Chest-Compression-Only Resuscitation:
1. Check for responsiveness. Shake the person and shout, “Are you OK?”
2. Call--Direct someone to call 9-1-1 or make the call yourself if the person is unresponsive and struggling to breathe (gasping or snoring).
3. Compress--Begin forceful chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute. Position the victim back down on the floor. Place the heel of one hand on top of the other and place the heel of the bottom hand on the center of the victim’s chest. Lock your elbows and compress the chest forcefully; make sure you lift up enough to let the chest recoil.
If an AED (heart with lightening flash symbol) is available, turn the unit on and follow the voice instructions. If no AED (automated external defibrillator) is available, perform chest compressions continuously until the paramedics arrive. This is physically tiring so if someone else is available, take turns after each 100 chest compressions.
If you suspect drowning or drug overdose, follow standard CPR procedures (alternate 30 chest compressions with two mouth-to-mouth breaths).
Because there are so few survivors to tell their stories and encourage others to assess their own risk factors, most people are unaware of the danger sudden cardiac death can pose until it strikes close to home. Such was the case for Steve Gootter’s family and friends. It was unimaginable to them that Steve, a vivacious individual in the prime of his life, could lose his life instantly and with no warning. This loss motivated Steve’s family and friends to establish the Steven M. Gootter Foundation with the objective of sparing others the tragedy of losing a loved one to sudden cardiac death.
Hear stories from sudden cardiac arrest survivors.
The use of an AED and Chest Compression Only CPR can save the life of a sudden cardiac arrest victim. Following are several survivor stories.
Rob Charles"I'm Rob Charles. I am a 53-year old husband, lawyer, tennis player and father of three. I am a genuine sudden cardiac death survivor. It's a miracle that I am alive today, given the remote odds I faced on the tennis court last November. But to me, it's more than a miracle. I am standing here today as the result of luck and skill. Luck, because those who responded were trained in chest compression only CPR and the use of an AED. As a result of the extraordinary care at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, I have made a full recovery.
Now I have the opportunity to continue to enjoy the love of my wife and children. I am back at work practicing law, and back playing tennis. The Gootter Foundation has made sudden cardiac death their cause. Beyond the direct research funding they give to the UA Sarver Heart Center, they have taken their cause into our community, placing AED's where we work, worship and play. The results of their work and efforts are immeasurable. The impact that they will have will be felt for generations."
"The work being done by the Gootter Foundation and the UA Sarver Heart Center are instrumental to understanding this phenomenon and saving more lives in the future. As a victim of the disease and a recipient of the outstanding care at the Sarver Heart Center, I can truly say the work has paid off. I likely suffered the same event as Steve, but was in the right place. At my normal swimming work-out one morning, I got out early and collapsed in the shower. Through a series of incredibly fortunate events, I'm here with you today. There's no question that the UA Sarver Heart Center and the work of The Gootter Foundation saved my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!"
"I was playing basketball at the Salvation Army when early in the 2nd game, my heart went into ventricular fibrillation. I was lucky to playing with a 3rd year resident from UMC, Shaun Stevenson, and a friend, Garrett Abeyta, who immediately started CPR. The fire station was about 4 blocks away and the Heart Hospital about a 3 minute drive. I was in a coma for 3 days, but awoke with no physical or mental damage thanks to my event happening at just the right place and time."
"Surviving a SCD event is HARD. Don't ever allow someone to tell you otherwise. You are entering into a word as a completely different person. You may still have some characteristics, some mannerisms which are the same but you are NOT the same and a SCD event is your second chance to get it right. You have been given another chance at life, don't waste it. A higher force has allowed you to survive granting you the opportunity to make things right within your own world, give your husband a second chance, teach your children to love their lives and stop every now and again to smell the flowers and become consumed by the beautiful things in this world. Live ever breath as though it is you last. As a SCD survivor, you did draw your last breath but for some unknown reason you were allowed to come back from death. Really live your life and don't allow the small things to get you down".
The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device. An AED checks a person's heart rhythm, recognizes whether a shock is required and administers a shock if needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take. AEDS are very accurate and easy to use. With a few minutes of training anyone can learn to operate an AED safely.
There are currently no laws governing the distribution or requirement of AED devices. There is simply a recommendation they be placed in US Government Office Buildings.
The Community AED Act (2000) authorized the expenditure of funds to establish public access defibrillation programs. Communities receiving grants would purchase and place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places where cardiac arrests are likely to occur.
The Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (2000) directed the federal government to issue guidelines for the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in federal buildings and extended the "Good Samaritan" protections to those both using and purchasing AEDs. "We think it's critical for people to get Compression CPR training and learn how to use an AED. If more people are trained and respond, we can save thousands of lives," said Lance Becker, M.D., professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and AHA spokesperson.
In an unparalleled move to prevent avoidable deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, the Steven M. Gootter Foundation has provided Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to over 40 Southern Arizona schools, places of worship and recreational centers that did not have these life saving devices.
The long range goal of the Foundation and the Sarver Heart Center is to make sure that all the places where people work, worship and play will have an AED in case it is ever needed.
Please note that at this time the AED donation program is limited to Southern Arizona only.
The Steven M. Gootter Foundation recently provided Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to 39 Southern Arizona schools, places of worship and recreational centers that did not have these life saving devices.
Southern Arizona High School AED recipients
"We cannot begin to express our thanks to you and your Foundation for making it possible for San Miguel High School to be equipped with and trained on our very own automated external defibrillator. It is a gift we hope to never have to use, but find comfort in knowing that we have this life saving machine at arms length. Your support of San Miguel High School is very much appreciated and we are humbled that you have made this available to us."
Leslie Shultz-Crist, President and Br. Nick Gonzales, FSC, Principal – San Miguel High School
"Our heartfelt thanks to you and your associates for the gift of the automated external defibrillator (AED) to St. Frances Cabrini. We have our share of older people among the 2,000 members of our parish. But I know the AED is meant for people of all ages. It is with a sense of gratitude and satisfaction as we determine placement and proceed with training. In the name of our whole community, I express deepest gratitude for this outstanding gift."
Msgr. Robert D. Fuller - St. Frances Cabrini Parish
"The purpose of this letter is to extend to you our deep appreciation for your donation of an AED device to Sunrise Drive Elementary School. We are very grateful not only for your generosity, but for increasing the likelihood of saving someone's life who needs immediate assistance while on our campus."
Julie A. Sherrill, Ph.D., Principal – Sunrise Drive Elementary School
"Having the ability to possibly save the lives of our theater patrons who are at risk for sudden cardiac death is of crucial benefit and we are very happy to help further the mission of the Steven M. Gootter Foundation. Thank you for your generous support to our organization and for your commitment to the community."
Clyde W. Kunz, CFRE, Chief Development Officer - Arizona Theater Company
"It is so wonderful to have the AED on property. I now have peace of mind that I have the right equipment on hand in the Nurses' office with the number of students and staff in our school. I appreciate everything the Gootter Foundation has done to facilitate getting us our AED."
Margaret Eller, RN (School Nurse) - Sunnyside Unified School District
"The AED donated by the Gootter Foundation is the first line of defense with any cardiac problem. Specifically, the first AED was a stepping stone. Receiving it at my High School made others aware and we were able to apply to the school for funding to get another one. Additionally, the two other High Schools in the district were able to get approval for an AED. The Gootter Foundation opened the door, increased awareness and made the community receptive and supportive of our need to be prepared."
Juan F. Prieto, Head Athletic Trainer - Amphitheater Public Schools
"The Saint Augustine Catholic High School community is very honored and grateful to the Gootter Foundation for its recent donation of an AED to our school. No one can control when an emergency arises, but our ability to be able to reach for an AED may mean the difference between life and death of one of our students, a teacher, a parent, or visitor to our campus. We are not only thankful for the donation, but for the love and attention from the Foundation to train our staff to not simply react, but rather to respond quickly to an emergency that would require an AED. We are truly blessed! Thank you."
Lynn Cuffari - Principal Saint Augustine Catholic High School
"Thanks so much to the Steven M Gootter Foundation for donating the AED
to the Fox Tucson Theatre. It is so reassuring to know that we've got
this essential piece of medical equipment on site now. What a great and
important gift for all of our patrons!"
Craig Sumberg - Executive Director Fox Tucson Theatre
Sarver Heart Center
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