Why are Defibrillators Important in Public Health?

From an epidemiological perspective, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a significant public health issue. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 365,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. The timely use of defibrillators can dramatically improve survival rates. Studies show that the chances of survival drop by 7-10% for every minute that defibrillation is delayed. This underscores the importance of rapid response and the widespread availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).