Living Life After Surviving SCA

Oct 25, 2021

Living Life After Surviving SCA

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can occur at any time, at any place and to anyone of any age. When SCA occurs outside of a hospital, 11 percent of victims survive. The chance of survival improves when 9-1-1 is called and when CPR begins immediately. According to the American Heart Association, each year 70,000 people successfully leave the hospital after SCA. So, if you experience SCA, it does not always mean death, in fact, the survival rate is increasing.

Life After SCA

The survival rate has increased due to successful cardiac arrest care such as CPR and/or using an AED. After experiencing SCA it is possible to go back to your normal life, but there will likely be some changes you may experience such as:

Physical such as vision impairment impeding the ability to read
Neurological such as strokes, seizures or movement disorders
Cognitive such as language and communication difficulties
Emotional such as anxiety or depression
Social

SCA can occur for many different reasons, but it is important to work to minimize the probability of another arrest depending on the condition that may have caused SCA to occur in the first place. Additionally, having those around you prepared for what signs and symptoms to look for and how to treat SCA can increase the survival rate should another SCA occur.

Being Prepared to Treat SCA

Knowing how to use an AED and how to provide proper CPR can both be life-saving measures. After dialing 9-1-1, rescuers should begin CPR immediately as they await the arrival of EMS. If another bystander is nearby, they should look for an AED. The AED should be used prior to EMS arrival, if possible, to give the victim the best chance of survival. Taking an online or in-person CPR class can ensure you are confident in providing successful CPR. In addition to learning CPR, you will also learn how and when to use an AED.

Being prepared as both a victim and rescuer will help you live a healthy, quality life after surviving SCA.