American Heart Association Survey Reveals Americans Lack Confidence in Lifesaving Skills for Common Cardiac...(aced CPR Anytime Kit that includes aninf...),Health

Designed to be simple and intuitive, AEDs are available in many public places such as schools, airports and workplaces and will guide the user through the process with clear, calm voice cues. The devices are strategically deployed and maintained to ensure that they are ready in a medical emergency, and will not deliver a shock unless a shockable rhythm is detected.

"There's no reason for people to be afraid to act," Becker said. "We want people to feel confident that whatever action they choose -- whether using an AED or performing conventional CPR or adult Hands-Only CPR -- they are doing something to help, which could be a lifesaving decision."

SCA survivor Jenifer Fergusson knows first hand about the importance of people taking action. The New York native suffered an SCA at work when two coworkers immediately came to her aid. Due to their quick actions, Jenifer survived her cardiac event.

"My coworkers are true heroes," she said. "I'm so grateful they had the skills and courage to perform CPR and use a defibrillator when I went into cardiac arrest. Thankfully, my company had an AED onsite. If my colleagues hadn't acted or the AED was not available, I might not be here today."

Other results from the survey include:

-- Sixty-five percent said they had received CPR training, but only 18

percent reported having received AED training.

-- Two-thirds of those trained in using CPR and AEDs were required to for

their jobs, school or the military.

-- Respondents' reasons for not getting trained included not thinking

about it or not being required.

-- Most respondents (89 percent) believe that providers of adult day care

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