Yes. The chances of survival from SCA increase dramatically if the victim receives immediate CPR and treatment with an automated external defibrillator (AED). AEDs are designed for use by laypersons and provide visual and voice prompts. They will not shock the heart unless shocks are needed to restore a healthy heartbeat. Bystander intervention with CPR and AEDs can greatly improve the likelihood of survival. In fact, if bystanders use AEDs before EMS arrival, survival rates can be as high as 50%.
