Prehospital Cardiac Arrest. Public-Access Defibrillation

pp 160-164

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in countries like ours with urban areas. Most of these deaths occur in the prehospital setting and a rapid response with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation are necessary to maximize survival. We describe the case of a subject who suffered a cardiac arrest while walking in the public thoroughfare and was successfully resuscitated with early defibrillation using and automated external defibrillator. The electrocardiograms obtained during the episode are included and the importance of the concept of public access defibrillation is emphasized.