Time is of the essence.
For every minute that defibrillation is delayed, the chance of victim survival is reduced by 10 percent. Response times, especially in rural areas and in densely populated urban neighborhoods, can be too long. AEDs need to be readily available to defibrillate SCA victims quickly. Survivalink has developed sample policy guidelines for police use of AEDs that recognize the high activity levels of today's officers and departments. Officers can respond to possible SCA situations and treat a victim only until EMS arrives.