Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and unexpectedly stops beating. It results in an abrupt, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness, blood circulation to the
brain and other vital organs instantly. If not responded to immediately, structural brain damage, or
even death, can result in a matter of minutes.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the global leading cause of death with over 12 million fatalities yearly.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a medical emergency where an ‘electrical’ error causes the heart stopping
to beat effectively. Unlike a heart attack, where the heart may continue to beat and only the blood
supply to the heart is compromised, Sudden Cardiac Arrest causes the heart to stop beating entirely.

Being able to recognise a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can save a life. If someone unexpectedly collapses, is unresponsive and is not breathing, that person is likely experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The person is at high risk of dying, and every second counts.

If someone collapses, check their responsiveness by shaking their shoulders and asking if they can hear you. In case of no reply, immediately call the emergency number. The dispatcher will help you with the next steps.

Remember these steps at all time:

1. Call emergency number
2. Start CPR
3. Use an AED

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable device that can analyse the heart’s rhythm
and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock (defibrillation) to restart a person’s heart in case of
Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

An AED is a device designed for layman-usage, this means that everyone is able to use an AED as long
as someone pays attention to the verbal instruction once the AED is turned on. You use an AED as
follows:

1. Open the AED and push the ON/OFF button, listen carefully to the AED’s instructions
2. Attach the (sticky) pads to the person’s chest as instructed on the pads’ instructions
3. These pads will now analyse the heart’s rhythm, listen to the AED’s instructions
4. If a shock is needed, some AED devices will require someone to press the shock-button,
some AED devices will automatically deliver a shock after warning by-standers to not touch
the person

AEDs are often placed in public spaces, including offices, schools, shopping malls, grocery stores, and
airports. Many AEDs are pointed out using (often) green signage.

No, an AED is not dangerous. An AED will only give / advise an electrical shock if correctly applied to a
person’s body and if needed. The AED will analyse the heart-rhythm and will only be able to deliver a
shock if needed

Yes, an AED needs regular maintenance and checks to ensure if the AED is working. AED’s do regular
self-checks, it may happen that the AED detects an error during one of these self-tests. Immediate
maintenance is necessary to make sure the AED is returned to working-state as soon as possible.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is an emergency life-saving procedure performed when the
heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can greatly increase the chance of survival in case of Sudden
Cardiac Arrest.

1. Check the scene for safety
2. If the person appears unresponsive, check first responsiveness and breathing
3. If the person does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, call the emergency
number and get an AED, or shout for help
4. Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface
5. Give 30 chest compression: two hands centered on the chest and shoulders directly over
hands (elbows locked), and start pressing at a rate of 100-120 compressions a minute
6. Give 2 breaths: open up airway by lifting chin and pinch the nose
7. Continue CPR at this rate of 30 compressions / 2 breaths until medical assistance arrives. Use
an AED as soon as one is available

No, you can’t misperform CPR. Doing something is always better than doing nothing.

Select the project in which you want to participate. Then click ‘start a fundraising’ and you will be
redirected to your country’s fundraising platform. Follow the steps on your screen to set up your
fundraising page, this is simple and quickly done.

The fundraising goal may differ per project. Carefully read the project details to discover the
fundraising goal of the project in which you want to participate.

Visit the information on the fundraising tips page on your country’s fundraising platform to learn
how to make your fundraising project successful. Use the documentation in the toolkit for help.

The donated money will be collected by Live is Life. Once the fundraising goal has been reached, Live is Life will distribute the money to its national fulfilment partner. The national fulfilment partner will use the money to fulfil the project.

No, you only pay the donation amount. You will not pay transaction costs.

Yes, you can. Contact the national fulfilment partner. First, transfer the donation amount to the respective fulfilment partner and inform them about to which fundraising the money should go. The partner will then draft the invoice and send it towards the donor/sponsor. The fulfilment partner will transfer the money to Live is Life for the correct fundraising.

Live is Life focuses on an all-in-one AED-package that consists of the following: an AED, AED outdoor cabinet, information backboard, 24/7 AED monitoring, installation and maintenance services for 5 years, insurance, an on-site CPR-training and access to online awareness courses.

Live is Life’s national fulfilment partner decide on what type of AED will be delivered. This will be a new device that suits national demands.

Live is Life has standardized the Rotaid 24/7 AED cabinet in all projects.

Once you have reached the fundraising goal, Live is Life will inform the national fulfilment partner. Our national fulfilment partner will then contact you to schedule the installation and the on-site CPR training.