October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, a critical time to raise awareness about a leading cause of death that strikes without warning. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. This leads to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, resulting in unconsciousness and, if left untreated, death within minutes. While heart attacks and SCAs are often used interchangeably, they are distinct medical events. A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to the heart, while SCA is an electrical malfunction that causes the heart to stop beating entirely.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2nd. After a seemingly routine tackle, the 24-year-old Hamlin stood up, took two steps and suddenly fell backward as he lost consciousness. Medical personnel immediately rushed to his side, started CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore a normal heart rhythm. These interventions saved his life and he was discharged from a Cincinnati hospital one week later. Continue reading to learn more about how an AED could save your life or the life of a loved one.