The Heartsaver

AED course includes training in both CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

and the use of an AED, an automated external defibrillator. The course

can be completed in as little as three to four hours.

"For each

minute that passes without defibrillation and CPR, the chance of survival

for a cardiac arrest victim decreases by seven to 10 percent. In order

to battle this disease, more Americans have to arm themselves with the

knowledge that is crucial to saving lives," said David Faxon, M.D.,

president, American Heart Association.

To help increase

the number of people who survive cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association

is working to increase public awareness and a strong chain of survival

for victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

The chain of

survival is a sequence of actions that must be initiated in order to save

lives during cardiac emergencies.

Its goal is

to minimize the time from the onset of symptoms to treatment. The four

links in the chain of survival are:

1. Early

access means recognizing that a cardiovascular emergency exists and

immediately phoning the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

2. Early

cardiopulmonary resuscitation helps to circulate blood and oxygen

to vital organs and buys time until defibrillation can be given.

3. Early

defibrillation , performed with a medical device called a defibrillator,

delivers an electric shock to the heart that stops the abnormal heart

rhythm and lets the normal rhythm resume.

4. Early

advanced life support means having qualified paramedics and other

healthcare providers to respond to cardiac arrest with up-to-date Advanced

Life Support training.

To learn more

about Heartsaver AED, call the American Heart Association toll-free at

1-877-AHA-4CPR or visit www.americanheart.org .

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