A matter of life or death.

Did you know? Sudden cardiac arrest can affect younger people and children who lead healthy lifestyles and have a good physique. Medical experts believe many children could be saved if a defibrillator is used within minutes of collapse. Cardiac conditions affecting the heart muscle or the heart rhythm can remain undetected, with the first symptom presenting in sudden cardiac arrest. A blunt blow to the chest at a vulnerable time during the cardiac cycle (perhaps during school sports) can cause cardiac arrest. Trauma, choking, electrocution, respiratory arrest and drowning can cause cardiac arrest. A victim's chances of survival are reduced by 7 to 10 percent with every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation. Few attempts at resuscitation succeed after 10 minutes.