Frequently Asked Questions

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) occurs if the heart unexpectedly and without signs and symptoms stops to beat. In other words, the body experiences a cardiac or circulatory arrest through a so called ventricular fibrillation. This phenomenon leads in over 90% of cases to death. In Switzerland alone 10,000 die of sudden cardiac death every year.

The most common cause of sudden cardiac death is cardiac arrhythmia (heart rhythm disturbance). The majority of patients at risk for sudden cardiac death have heart disease. Although rare, some victims have a genetic defect such as cardiac arrhythmias (Long QT Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome) or a disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) both of which may lead to sudden cardiac or circulatory arrest.

What is ventricular fibrillation?

The individual fibers of the heart muscle fail to contract in concert. Instead they chaotically fire. This leads to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation in which the heart contracts over 350 times per minute. In this condition, the heart fails to pump enough blood through the body. The brain receives too little blood and oxygen. The victim becomes unconscious and collapses.

What is a defibrillator?

A defibrillator is a device with which an electric shock can be fired in order to terminate a cardiac arrhythmia (e.g., ventricular fibrillation). In earlier days the use of defibrillators was limited to physicians. Defibrillators today, however, may be used by citizens which increases the opportunities to save lives tremendously.

The AED is the defibrillator for lay persons. Since a few years, there exists a defibrillator designed for lay persons or any citizen living in the community, a public defibrillator if you will, which is also the automatic external defibrillator or AED. The AED is a very easily used device and can be applied and received at no risk by user and patient, respectively. An electric shock can be generated within approximately 40 seconds, and this can mean saving a life.

To become competent in handing an AED for life-saving emergency service, you need to complete the Basic Life Support course (Basic Life Support) in which you will learn, among other things, how to use an AED. With the completion of the basic course, each participant will receive the BLS certificate, valid for 2 years, through the Swiss Rescue Council (SRC).

How often do the devices need to be serviced?

The devices are programmed to self-test on a weekly basis and warn when battery life diminishes. The batteries should be replaced every 3 years.

Can the AED be used in people with pace makers?

Yes, the application of an AED in emergency situation is of no concern.