Kids
What is a SCA?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is when the heart stops working all of the sudden. It stops pumping blood, and it is very important to get it going again. It usually only happens after you have been exercising very hard, or if someone has a heart condition. It is important to take breaks when you need to, drink plenty of fluids, and always check with your caregiver or doctor to see if you have a heart condition.
What do you do?
If you ever see or hear somebody fall for no reason, complain that they are dizzy, say they have a headache, or complain that their chest feels funny, you should check on them. Ask what happened and if they need help.
If they fall over and do not answer, call 911 and find help or send someone else to get help. Do NOT move them after you have called for help unless 911 or another adult says it’s okay.
If you know CPR you should start it and keep doing it until help arrives. There are a few things you can do to be ready to help and save a life!
- Pay attention to your friends and family. Watch and listen to anybody who says they are dizzy, fall for no reason, says their chest hurts, or their heart “skips a beat”. This could be a red flag. Stop what you are doing and ask if the person needs help.
- Get CPR certified. Ask your principal or your teacher how you can get CPR certified. Some schools make CPR certification a requirement to graduate! Ask your school how heart health and CPR can become a topic in class.
- Don’t be afraid. If you see something happen and you have a bad feeling about it, get help or call 911. Do not leave the person behind. Every minute you wait, the worse it gets. Act fast and do not be afraid to yell, call 911, or ask an adult.