Jackson dies of cardiac arrest: Surviving cardiac arrest

    After learning of trhe death of pop singer Michael Jackson, the American Heart Association offers reminders of the importance of quick response when someone suffers cardia arrest.
  Cardiac arrest can be reversed by defibrillation if it’s treated within a few minutes with an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.  However, few attempts at resuscitation succeed after 10 minutes.

The American Heart Association urges the public to be prepared for cardiac emergencies:
• Know the warning signs of cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest a victim loses consciousness, stops normal breathing and loses pulse and blood pressure.  They may suddenly collapse.
• Call 9-1-1 immediately to access the emergency medical system if you see any cardiac arrest warning signs.
• Give cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to help keep the cardiac arrest victim alive until emergency help arrives.
• If you don’t know CPR or haven’t been trained, call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast on the center of the chest until help arrives.