ReStart DC Hopes To Save Lives

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) ---Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating. Researchers say most who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest end up dying from the condition.

An automated external defibrillator, or what is commonly known as an AED, could make the difference in saving someone who is suffering from cardiac arrest.

A new program called ReStart DC sponsored by the Cheney Cardiovascular Institute at George Washington University hopes to place AEDs in more public places throughout all 8 wards in the District.

Lynne Cheney, former Second Lady of the United States, was among community organizations and recipients at the Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Roman Catholic Church Thursday for the launch.

Mrs. Cheney says, "My husband is a cardiac patient and has been for a long time, but some of the people that we talked about today said they had no warning."

For Kim Bauhs she didn't have any symptoms or a history of heart related problems. When her heart stopped, while away at a work related conference, she credits an AED and her co-workers for saving her life.

"I had 2 co-workers who immediately ran to the nurse and within 2 minutes she was by my side with an AED." say Bauhs.

Dr. Jonathan Reiner with George Washington University Medical Center says AEDs are simple devices that are intended to be used by lay people.

Dr. Reiner explains, "When the heart is beating very fast and can't fill up with blood, the heart can't keep an adequate blood pressure and the person can't stay awake. An AED can very rapidly analyze the heart rhythm and detect that if it's at a dangerous rhythm, particularly if it could become lethal and if so can shock the rhythm back to normal."

Dr. Reiner explains that AEDS require placing 2 adhesive patches on the chest of the victim and pressing a button.

The button on the AED is used to analyze whether an electric jolt is needed.

"It changes your perspective on life," says Kim.