Are you prepared to help a loved one, employee or customer when they need you most?    As one of the leading causes of death in our country, sudden cardiac arrest claims up to 450,000 people a year - approximately 1,200 people a day. Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart ceases to function.  Victims can be of all ages, and many times there are no symptoms or previous heart problems.  The average survival rate for a witnessed cardiac arrest victim is less than 5 percent.    CALLING 9-1-1 IS NOT ENOUGH   Within five minutes of cardiac arrest, the heart must be shocked back to normal rhythm (defibrillation) or the victim will most likely die. Portable and easy to use, AEDs deliver the necessary electric shock to the heart.  In fact experts estimate that 50,000 lives could be saved every year with early access to defibrillation.    As a leader in emergency response and preparedness, the Red Cross has teamed up with AED industry leaders Cardiac Science, Philips and Medtronic so that you can implement a life-saving AED program at your home or workplace.   AEDS PURCHASED THROUGH THE RED CROSS: Approved and used by local EMS Build with cutting-edge technology Meet 2005 Emergency Cardiac Care guidelines Developed from the ground up for ease of use by the average citizen Competitively priced Built by financially sound manufacturers Supported with Red Cross training and quality service  Plus, the Red Cross will assist you with ongoing oversight and maintenance, and serve as a resource for all of your on-going AED, health and safety training and preparedness needs. Your purchase also helps fund Red Cross disaster relief programs in our communities.   Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, anytime---at your office, on your sales floor, at school or even in your own home. Doesn’t it make sense to have an AED where people spend a lot of time? For more information about AEDs, AED programs and how the Red Cross can help you save a life, please contact us at (206) 726-3531, (360) 377-3761 ext. 13531 or healthservices@seattleredcross.org.