Sudden Cardiac Death, or fatal cardiac arrest, occurs when a person's heart suddenly stops. Sudden Cardiac Death claims on average 40 of our neighbors in Orange County each month and 400,000 Americans each year.
The truth is, sudden cardiac death isn't always sudden. In 75 percent of all cases warning signs preceded the attack, and the victims chose to ignore the signs.
If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, Call 9-1-1 immediately! Do not wait to see if they go away, you or a loved one may be minutes away from sudden cardiac death.
Chest Pain - Most cardiac arrests involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of you upper body - Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath - May occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other Symptoms - These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Many people who experience cardiac arrest can be saved if the patient receives immediate treatment. If you see someone collapse, it could be cardiac arrest.
Call 9-1-1 immediately
Begin CPR if you know how
Use an AED if one is available and you know how to use it.
If you don't know CPR, now is the time to learn. Orange County Fire Rescue offers free CPR classes to citizens. Visit our Citizen CPR page to view dates and times of our next Citizen CPR class.
Orange County Fire Rescue 
