To begin creating HeartSafe communities across America, we need to first raise awareness of what Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are, and why they're so important. AEDs are used when someone suffers from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). SCA is a leading cause of death in America, taking the lives of over 500,000 people annually. Many people don’t know what SCA is, or that it can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. When someone suffers from SCA their heart is in an irregular rhythm, and they need immediate CPR and a shock from an AED to get their heart back to a normal rhythm.
On TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and Chicago Med, there is often an AED in the background. But many people never give a second thought to the AED they see or its importance.
Here’s how you can help!
- Take a picture of your TV screen or computer screen when you spot an AED during a show.
- Once you’ve taken the picture post it to your favorite social media platform, using the hashtags #FindAnAED and #CardiacLife. Don't forget to tell us where you found it! We want to acknowledge those working to raise awareness.
Too often we overlook important aspects of life because we’re so consumed with other things. Our hope is that by opening people's eyes to AEDs that they see on TV, they’ll begin noticing them in their everyday lives as well. This way, when SCA does occur, you'll be prepared and will know what to do. By raising awareness about AEDs you’ll be helping yourself and those in your community become prepared in the event of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest incident.
Click here for more information on how you can raise awareness of AEDs on TV.