The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and developments in sudden cardiac arrest prevention and treatment.
Brought Back to Life by CPR
FLATHEAD, MT--The worst part about being hit by lightning may not be the electrical shock — it might be the CPR that comes later. Travis Heitmann, 23, of Kalispell, one of three Glacier National Park visitors struck by lightning on July 17, said the experience has generally left him drained, but his sore ribs and back could be the result of the… Read More
David "Kidd" Kraddick's Sudden Death Due to Cardiac Cause
An outpouring of grief and memories on Sunday followed the sudden death of David “Kidd” Kraddick, a nationally syndicated radio personality and “an energetic dynamo" with an incredibly generous spirit. Kraddick, 53, hosted the locally based Kidd Kraddick in the Morning. The program is broadcast on Dallas’ “Kiss FM” KHKS-FM (106.1) and more than 75… Read More
DC Metro Moves AEDs Out of Reach; Riders Concerned
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Multiple signs hang over an automated external defibrillator cabinet at the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station, helping riders to spot the life-saving device. This cabinet, however, is empty except for an instruction sheet. At the Gallery Place F Street entrance, the AED has been moved into the manager's kiosk. It's something… Read More
Beta-Blockers Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is defined as a non-violent death that cannot be explained, occurring less than 24 hours from the onset of symptoms. [1] Out of all antiarrhythmic agents, only beta-blockers have been shown to be effective at reducing the risk of SCD. According to a new meta-analysis of all randomized control studies evaluating beta… Read More
Sleeping Altitude and Sudden Cardiac Death
Novice mountaineers may lower their risk of having a fatal heart attack if they acclimate themselves before a high-altitude recreational hiking or skiing expedition, according to a study published in the American Heart Journal. The study found the risk of dying of (sudden cardiac death) on the first day of vigorous mountain exercise was more than… Read More
Sudden Cardiac Deaths Among Volunteer Firefighters Falls to Record Low
The number of volunteer firefighters who died in the line of duty declined to a record in the U.S. amid efforts to improve the fitness of emergency personnel. On-duty volunteer firefighter deaths fell to 30 last year, from 35 in 2012 and more than 75 in 1977 and 1978, the National Fire Protection Association said today in a report on its website.… Read More
18-Year-Old Dies during Soccer Game at High Altitude Field without AED
CUSCO, PERU--Fans of Peruvian soccer are mourning the death of Yair Clavijo, 18, who died on Sunday during a match in Cusco. The Peruvian footballer suffered a “cerebral edema and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an underlying heart condition),” according to the autopsy performed in Cusco on Monday, Depor.pe reported. The unfortunate incident took… Read More
Man's Brush with Death Caught on Security Camera
GREER, SC-- A South Carolina man says he was brought back from the dead and it was all caught on camera. "I love to play basketball. I love to watch basketball. I love to study basketball." Tony Gilliard is passionate about the game he loves and is regular at the pickup games. A security video, though, captured what could've been his last game… Read More
Taiwan Government Sets Up Database of AEDs
TAIPEI--The Department of Health (DOH) has said that it is setting up a databank showing all the locations of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). DOH statistics show that heart disease is the second-leading cause of death in Taiwan. Every year, around 20,000 people who have sudden cardiac arrest die before reaching the hospital, the DOH… Read More