Do you know what to do in case of an emergency?

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!

The Need to know CPR

We've seen it before, Michael "Squints" Palledorous (from the famous movie Sandlot") feigns trouble swimming when he is pulled from the public swimming pool and given CPR from the love of his life, Wendy Peffercorn. It's well-known that CPR is essential for lifeguards and for victims who are struggling with breathing properly; however, did you know that CPR can save the lives of victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and if you know CPR - you can possibly save a life?

There are more ways to learn CPR than having to attend a lifeguard training course. Many local recreation centers or community centers offer basic level CPR courses that will teach you how to respond quickly which uncertainty strikes. Emergency medical services can take up to 10 minutes to respond to a distress call, therefore making the first minutes after an attack essential in saving a life. CPR from a bystander can increase the chances of survival by nearly 30%!

Another helpful measure in saving lives is to have a basic understanding of how to use an AED, or an automated external defibrillator. When applied correctly, this machine can improve the odds of survival by an upwards of 50%. The instructions will be read aloud from an automated voice through the machine and the directions given clearly. When a bystander takes a stand and a course of action, many times it will save a life.

Learn more about how to apply for an AED by visiting www.Living4Zachary.org.

HeartBeats Gala – February 8, 2014 - It's going to be a great day for L4Z and SCA!

The HeartBeats Gala is a two-day annual event in Dallas, TX held during February, American Heart Month. Proceeds from the HeartBeats Gala benefits Living for Zachary (L4Z) whose mission is to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in youth. In three short years, the HeartBeats Gala has attracted more than 2,500 attendees, 50 corporate/private sponsors and has raised more than $1 million.

The first event is the Education Forum which is a free event offered to the general public to learn more about their heart health. Each year the Education Forum offers free Living for Zachary Heart Screenings for youth ages 12-22, free health tests, medical advice from our board of nationally recognized physicians, AED and CPR training, forum booths hosted by top medical manufacturers and wellness companies in the world, and heart-healthy cooking demonstrations. In 2013, Living for Zachary received a proclamation from the Dallas Mayor, Michael Rawlings, stating that Friday, February 15, 2013 is ‘Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day’.

The second event is the HeartBeats Gala which is a black tie affair offering cocktails, fine dining, live and silent auction, and live music.  In 2013, a wine pull was added to the night’s events to provide attendees the opportunity to purchase fine wines donated from the cellars of top wine connoisseurs. Every year, the HeartBeats Gala hosts approximately 1,000 business and community leaders, physicians and members of the medical community and strong L4Z supporters.