Heart Month: how a defibrillator can save a life

Each year, February marks Heart Month in Canada, a key opportunity to raise awareness about cardiovascular health, heart disease, and life-saving actions. Cardiac arrest is one of the most critical medical emergencies, as it strikes suddenly and leaves very little time to act. In this context, quick access to a defibrillator allows for immediate action and can make all the difference.

The numbers that matter

Recent data highlights the importance of awareness. Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, with nearly 58,000 deaths in 2023.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests

Each year, approximately 60,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals, or about one every nine minutes. Unfortunately, only one in ten people survives an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, often because help does not arrive quickly enough. Having a defibrillator nearby helps bridge the gap before emergency services arrive and can mean the difference between life and death.

Despite medical advances, cardiac arrest remains unpredictable and potentially fatal. Prevention is important, but it is not enough on its own, being ready to respond quickly when cardiac arrest occurs is just as essential.

Why is february Heart Month?

Heart Month is an annual opportunity to raise public awareness about cardiovascular risks and promote healthy lifestyle habits such as physical activity, balanced nutrition, and screening. But Heart Month is also an important reminder that recognizing a cardiac emergency and knowing how to respond can save lives. Cardiac arrest can happen without warning, at any age, and anywhere.

Being informed and prepared means being able to act when every second counts.

Why is cardiac arrest so dangerous?

Cardiac arrest is a major medical emergency because the heart suddenly stops pumping blood. Without blood circulation, the brain begins to lack oxygen after just a few minutes, leading to irreversible damage or death.

Each minute without intervention drastically reduces the chances of survival. Even when emergency services are called immediately, their arrival can take several minutes—especially when cardiac arrest occurs at home or in remote areas. This critical window is when rapid action and access to a defibrillator become essential.

Contrary to common belief, cardiac arrest does not only affect older adults or those with existing health conditions. It can happen:

• at home

• at work

• in public places

• during physical activity

• without warning signs

That’s why being prepared is so important.

How to respond to a cardiac arrest

When cardiac arrest occurs, the chain of survival relies on three simple but crucial actions:

• quickly recognizing the situation and calling emergency services

• starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

• using an automated external defibrillator (AED) when one is nearby

These actions, taken in the first few minutes, can literally save a life.

How a defibrillator can save a life?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is designed to be used by people with no medical training. It plays a vital role in the chain of survival by allowing action while emergency services are on the way.

An AED:

• automatically analyzes the heart rhythm

• provides clear voice instructions to guide the responder

• delivers a shock only if necessary

Because time is the most critical factor in cardiac arrest, quick access to a defibrillator is not just an advantage, it is an essential part of the chain of survival.

Having a fefibrillator at home can save a life?

During Heart Month, prevention is often emphasized, but being prepared for unexpected emergencies is just as important.

Acting in the first minutes

Having a defibrillator at home is a proactive and accessible safety measure. It allows action within the very first minutes, a critical period when every second matters. It is a tangible way to protect family members and loved ones while waiting for emergency services to arrive, significantly increasing the chances of survival.

Prevent. Prepare. Act.

Heart Month encourages us to take care of our cardiovascular health, but also to reflect on our ability to respond in an emergency. Raising awareness, recognizing cardiac arrest, and having the right equipment within reach are all actions that can save lives.

At Cardio Choc, our commitment is focused on people’s safety and protection. We believe that access to defibrillators and clear, reliable information can make a real difference when cardiac arrest occurs.

Our goal is to simplify access toautomated external defibrillators and provide trusted resources that help individuals, families, and organizations feel better prepared for emergencies. By making these tools more accessible, we help strengthen the response capacity of families, organizations, and communities.

Because in the event of cardiac arrest, being prepared can literally save a life.