Awareness and First Aid

If a child collapses from sudden cardiac arrest, an AED can shock their heart back into action within minutes, before permanent brain damage occurs.

Picture this: your healthy eight-year-old collapses at school, or a fit high school athlete drops during a race from sudden cardiac arrest. You may think it’s unlikely, but these types of emergencies are more common than many people realise.

Many gyms, shopping malls, office complexes and schools have access to an automated external defibrillator (AED). “This is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (heart irregularities) and treats them using a controlled electric shock,” says Greg Wilcox, ER24 Regional Manager Northern Region.

Put simply, it can restart a heart that has stopped beating properly. “AEDs are designed to be used by people with little or no training, which makes them invaluable in emergency situations where medical professionals aren’t immediately available,” Wilcox explains.

How to use an AED

  • You place two sticky pads on the person’s chest.
  • The machine then checks the heart’s rhythm on its own.
  • If needed, it will automatically give a shock to try to restart the heart.
  • The AED also gives clear voice instructions to guide the person helping, step by step.

Time is critical in sudden cardiac arrest

When sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) happens, every second counts. According to the American Heart Association, for each minute without using a defibrillator, a person’s chance of surviving drops by up to 10%. After 10 minutes without help, the chances of survival are almost zero.

Even in areas with excellent emergency response times, it can take first responders up to 15 minutes to arrive at a scene, which is potentially too late to save a child experiencing SCA. “Having an AED on site reduces this critical time gap,” says Wilcox. “Schools equipped with AEDs and staff trained in their use can deliver life-saving treatment within minutes of collapse, which makes a big difference in survival rates.”

Sudden cardiac arrest in children

There isn’t a lot of data on how often SCA happens in South African children, but worldwide, it’s estimated that up to three out of every 100 000 apparently healthy children are affected.

In South Africa, the Heart and Stroke Foundation says about 225 people die every day from heart-related diseases. “In schools, the risk may be amplified during high-intensity sports training and matches,” explains Wilcox.

Causes of sudden cardiac arrest

Research shows that certain factors may raise the risk of SCA in children. These include undiagnosed heart problems, heart inflammation from viral infections, and rheumatic heart disease. “Many victims of SCA don’t experience any warning symptoms,” says Wilcox. “An AED on hand can make a big difference.”

However, as AEDs can cost over R30 000 each, many South African schools, particularly in under-resourced areas, don’t have the funds. Some schools have successfully acquired AEDs through partnerships with local businesses, corporate social investment initiatives, alumni associations, and community fundraising.