FAQs

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. When this happens blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA is life threatening and can cause death if not treated and reversed immediately.

Most individuals who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest are over the age of 40. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere and usually happens in the home, workplace, or community, away from advanced life support available in the healthcare environment.

No. A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage affecting blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart.  Without oxygen, the heart muscle begins to die.  Heart attack victims often experience chest pain and usually remain conscious. Heart attacks are serious and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.  When someone goes into sudden cardiac arrest, their heart muscle stops beating in a regular rhythm and cannot pump blood and oxygen through the heart or to the rest of the body.    Sudden cardiac arrest can occur independently from a heart attack without any warning signs.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a small, portable device that assesses the heart rhythm of a person in sudden cardiac arrest and looks to detect a rhythm that can be shocked. If such a rhythm is detected, the provider is instructed to press a button to deliver a shock or series of shocks to the victim’s heart, stopping the heart to allow it to return to a regular rhythm.

Yes! The AED machine analyses the electrical activity of the victim’s heart and checks the heart’s rhythm. If the heart is in ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT), the AED instructs the provider to press a button that delivers a controlled shock to the victim’s heart. The shock stops the heart briefly allowing the heart muscle to resume a regular rhythm. If the person is not in VF or VT the AED will not allow a shock to be delivered.

Most CPR/AED courses for the public do not include a pulse check as part of their lesson.  If the victim is not responsive and not breathing, we conclude they are in cardiac arrest and begin the steps of CPR and AED use. The AED will only deliver a shock to a patient in  ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an integral part of the "Chain of Survival." In the absence of an AED, CPR can be used from the time of collapse until the AED arrives - this may extend the amount of time a patient can be successfully defibrillated. The probability of survival is improved if the victim receives CPR while waiting to be defibrillated.  

No.  For every minute that passes after sudden cardiac arrest occurs the chances for a victim’s survival decreases by 10 percent.  Starting CPR immediately after a victim’s collapse and activating the emergency response system (calling 911 and asking for an AED) will increase a victim’s chance of survival.

Many AEDs have CPR and AED prompts that provide step by step instructions for doing CPR and using the AED. Calling for help can bring other bystanders over who may know CPR and 911 Emergency Medical Services Dispatchers are trained to walk you through the steps as well.

Yes. Children and infants in sudden cardiac arrest should have the AED applied. If the AED is equipped with child (pediatric) pads they should be used.  Adult pads can also be used on a child or infant patient when pediatric pads are not available.

With current Alberta Legislation, anyone can use an AED as long as they are able to follow the directions given by the machine. There are no legal requirements to be certified in AED use but CPR and AED training is highly recommended for all people.

Ref: Alberta Emergency Medical Aid Act

Providers of first aid and AEDs are covered from legal liability in most countries through Good Samaritan Laws. The Legislative Assembly of Alberta has enacted the Emergency Medical Aid Act. This Act provides legal protection to any person who provides emergency medical care to another person who is ill, injured or unconscious as a result of an accident or other emergency.

This person is not liable for damages for injuries to or the death of that person alleged to have been caused by an act or omission on his or her part in rendering the medical services or first aid assistance, provided they meet the following: 

• The care was provided voluntarily and without expectation of compensation or reward 
• Unless it is established that the injuries or death were caused by gross negligence on his or her part.

There is very little legal or liability risk for a person that uses an AED. The concept of having an AED on site has been widely promoted by over 50 heart health organizations in Canada, including the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

If you feel unsafe or unable to provide CPR or apply an AED, you may assist by contacting 911 Dispatch and activiating a local emergency response

Ref: Alberta Emergency Medical Aid Act

The Criminal Code of Canada exempts all acts done in good faith in emergency or life-threatening situations. It is important to note that liability in AED use is only theoretical. There has never been a civil or criminal case in Canada brought against a member of the public who used an AED to try to save a life.

There has never been a civil case in Canada brought against an organization that has installed an AED. Owners of AED machines are advised to maintain their device  and  encouraged to have trained staff available to respond through an internal “Emergency Response Plan”.

No. The Province of Alberta has legislated that public placement and use of an AED does not require physician supervision.

When placing an AED in the workplace, employers are encouraged to follow the recommendations provided by the Alberta Workplace Health and Safety Act. Ref: Alberta Workplace Health and Safety Bulletin on AEDs in the Workplace