It can happen anywhere, at anytime, for a variety of reasons.
It could be a strenuous work-out that pushes you over the edge, or an unreasonably stressful day at the office. A previous condition could flare up when you least expect it, sending you crashing to the ground.
Heart attacks are often sudden and always frightening, both for the victim and those caught watching the potential tragedy.
And in these cases, seconds count. Your heart needs to start beating again, and fast.
"We know as emergency responders that rapid defibrillation is the number one predictability" of surviving cardiac arrest, claims Mike Figliola, Fire Chief for the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA).
One of the fastest ways to jump-start the system is an
automated external defibrillator (AED), usually found in hospitals.
But the
Medtronic Foundation aims to have them everywhere, from the gym to the office. Their latest endeavour saw 190 AEDs installed at Pearson Airport on Wednesday.
The use of one of these devices immediately after
cardiac arrest can increase the survival rate by 30 per cent or more. Considering approximately 40,000 people die every year from sudden cardiac arrest in Canada, those numbers are impressive.
Every passing minute after an episode occurs, the chances of successful defibrillation of the heart decreases by 7-10 per cent. The airport and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) are
providing training to all employees and interested passengers.
"The more people that know how to use them properly, the better," says Lloyd McCoomb, President & CEO of the GTAA.
The machine actually "walks" you through the procedure with vocal commands.
"Anyone can save a life," agrees Lynda Pike, chairperson, Medtronic Foundation, Canada chapter.
Other airports that already have AEDs include Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dallas-Fort Worth and London Heathrow.
That should make lost luggage a little less stressful.
Don't know how to use a defibrillator? Don't panic - CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) is incredibly useful in these situations.
See the new CPR guidelines here.
To get CPR training, click here.
How do defibrillators work?