There is an APP for THAT!

In late 2013, a smartphone app was launched in a small city near Fargo, North Dakota, that might change the way dispatchers and bystanders can help those who fall to sudden cardiac arrest at a given moment’s notice.

The app is called PulsePoint, and is integrated with the dispatch center in Red River to help whomever with the app quickly respond with CPR techniques and to alert emergency personnel within a quarter-mile to respond immediately. The app also uses GPS-location services to show the app user the closest automated external defibrillator (or AED) to their location.

They’ve created what’s been needed for year, an app that recognizes the critical aspect of time for those who fall to sudden cardiac arrest. According to the American Heart Association, 88 percent of sudden cardiac arrest happens outside the hospital setting—meaning, in your home, workplace or with friends and family.

Visit the Apple Store or Google Play store to download the app and give it a shot for yourself.

SCA took Shane Del Rosario

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can be a devastating blow, even to the most trained professional fighters. A couple of weeks ago, UFC heavyweight Shane Del Rosario passed away at a hospital in Newport Beach, Calif. nearly two weeks after being admitted to the hospital as a result of suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) at his house.

Del Rosario’s roommate (and teammate) found him lying unconscious on his bedroom floor when

he called emergency medical services.

Del Rosario had been placed on life support after being admitted to the hospital and after a resuscitation by his medical team, his brain activity revealed no signs of life.

In a touching tribute, his family will be starting a charitable organization to help bring awareness and research efforts to sudden cardiac arrest and long QT syndrome, a heart condition that is suspected to have been a contributing factor to the fighter’s passing.

We offer our condolences to the Del Rosario family. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can target anyone, so be proactive and get your heart screened today.

We are not alone - find out who else is raising awareness of SCA

December 2013 marked an effort by New Jersey U.S. representative, Frank Pallone Jr.  to begin a campaign that would seek to bring SCA awareness to how prevalent sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can be in children and to distribute information that can help parents, children and even bystanders with responding correctly during that time of need.

Pallone's tour to schools, health professionals and more is called the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Risk Assessment and Training in the Schools (HEART) Act, which was introduced in early 2013.

Admirably enough, Pallone Jr. isn’t standing alone. He was joined by Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan and Lisa Yue, a founding director of the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation which also seeks to raise awareness of pediatric cardiomyopathy.

According to their calculations, SCA is the leading cause of death on their school properties, and after the deaths of two young students, he decided it was time to take a stand.

So being prepared and educated isn’t something that only we harp on here, it’s something that many across the globe are striving for now. What do you know more about SCA than you did a year ago? Are you prepared for its unforeseen consequences?

Using an AED the RIGHT WAY!

Imagine this scenario: You’re at the busy mall with your closest friends when suddenly one of your friends falls to the ground. What would you do? Scream for help? Call 911 immediately? Your decisions impact the chance of survival for your friend.

Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be the difference between life and death in the critical seconds after a heart attack. AED’s are often the only hope of survival until emergency personnel arrive.

Don’t know how to use an AED? Don’t worry. Watch this helpful video from Baylor SportsCare that walks through the steps it takes to apply and use an AED to save a life.

 

In recent years, public locations including airports, malls, gyms and office complexes have all worked to make AEDs more readily available for the public. After you’ve watched the above video, know that AEDs can be operated in three simple steps: Turn on and apply the AED to the person, follow the verbal commands and prompts and finally, click the shock button when the AED instructs you to.

Remember, the moments after a heart attack are crucial. So act quickly and be confident!