HEARTSAVE Y SERIES

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. Is a result from an electrical disturbance in your heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping blood flow to the rest of your body

Normal Heart Activity:
Note the regular pattern with each beat of the heart sudden-cardiac-normal-heart.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest:
The heart enters a chaotic, typically ventricular fibrillation (VF) rhythm. The spikes disappear and a rapid, “wavy” pattern occurs

Problem:
The heart cannot pump blood effectively and the victim will collapse.

Symptoms:
1. Victim is unconscious
2. Not breathing spontaneously
3. No pulse

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating properly, causing loss of blood flow to the body and brain. Common signs include sudden collapse, unconsciousness, no pulse, and absence of normal breathing. Some people may experience warning symptoms before SCA, such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, nausea, or heart palpitations. SCA is a medical emergency that requires immediate action.

Performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) quickly can improve survival chances. Early recognition and fast treatment are essential to help save a person’s life.

The immediate cause of SCA is usually an abnormality in your heart rhythm, the result of a malfunction in your heart electrical system.

Cardiac Disease (65% – 70%)

• Coronary Heart Disease (Reduce blood flow to the heart)
• Heart Attack (Scaring of Tissues)
• Enlarged Heart (Cardio myopathy)
• Congenital and Valvular Disease
• Electrical Problems in Heart

Non Cardiac (30% – 35%)

• Electric Shock
• Drowning
• Trauma to Chest / Head area
• Overdose of Illegal Drugs
• Stress

The chance of survival drops by 10% for every minute that nothing is done to resuscitate the patient.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device used to help people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It works by analyzing the heart’s rhythm and delivering an electric shock, if needed, to restore a normal heartbeat. AEDs are designed to be simple and safe for anyone to use, even without medical training, because they provide clear voice and visual instructions. They are commonly found in public places such as schools, airports, offices, and shopping malls. Quick use of an AED, together with CPR, can greatly increase a person’s chances of survival after sudden cardiac arrest.

1. AED is now the standard equipment stipulated by the National CERT Standard!
With amendment to the Fire Safety Act on 1 Sept 2013, all premises with Fire Safety Managers are required to set up a Company Emergency Response Team (CERT).

2. Audit Requirement:
Premises shall be audited by SCDF on the CERT scheme. Failure of the audit, the premises maybe subjected to re-audit or revoke of P&FM storage license.

3. Failure to form CERT:
The owner or occupier of the specified premises shall be guilty of an offence and is liable for a fine not exceeding S$10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.