Final answer:
Most adult cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital, such as at home or in public places. CPR and AEDs are critical interventions that can save lives when cardiac arrest happens, with AEDs available in many public areas to assist in emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most adult cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital setting, such as at home, at work, or in public places. In the case of a cardiac emergency, immediate intervention is crucial. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency where the heart stops pumping blood effectively, which can lead to death if not treated promptly. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if administered quickly, can manually compress the heart to maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which provide verbal instructions and can be found in many public places, are vital in delivering a shock to correct abnormal heart rhythms and can be life-saving. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States, and understanding the importance of CPR and AEDs is key to improving survival rates from cardiac events.