INSIGHT. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, at any time – and every minute is crucial for survival. Although early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation can dramatically increase the chances of survival, mortality rates remain high. Let us take a closer look at proven methods that save lives, as well as new innovations that could shape the future.
Cardiac arrest is one of the most acute and life-threatening conditions a person can experience. It is a time-critical condition where every minute counts for survival. Despite medical advancements, mortality rates remain high. The median survival rate for individuals receiving immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is around 10%. Every year, over 600,000 people in the U.S., 560,000 in the EU, and 10,000 in Sweden experience cardiac arrest, which in Sweden corresponds to 27 people every day. Despite extensive research and investments, few effective treatment options are available. The methods with the most proven impact are:
- Early defibrillation using an automated external defibrillator (AED) is crucial to saving lives. Currently, the average time to defibrillation by ambulance in Sweden’s major cities is 12–15 minutes. If defibrillation can be administered within 5 minutes, the survival rate increases dramatically—from around 10% to as high as 50–60%.
- Bystander CPR, performed by someone on-site, can extend the time a patient can survive without defibrillation and increases the chance of survival by 43%.
To improve outcomes and save more lives, both healthcare systems and society are investing in preventative and emergency measures. Defibrillators are being placed in public spaces, and ambulances are dispatched with the highest priority in cases of suspected cardiac arrest. At the same time, innovative medical solutions are being developed to support healthcare efforts.
One example is Joylife, the company behind LUCAS, a device that delivers automated chest compressions during cardiac arrest. The product saw widespread clinical adoption, and in 2011, Joylife was acquired by Medtronic for over 500 million SEK. Another example is SafeLife, which sells and leases defibrillators to businesses and public organisations. The company has grown rapidly, both organically and through acquisitions—having completed over 24 acquisitions to date. With revenue exceeding 1.6 billion SEK and support from investors such as Bonnier Ventures, SafeLife aims to reach 3 billion SEK in revenue by 2025.
With continued research, innovation, and private investment, there is strong potential to significantly increase survival rates from cardiac arrest.
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