Cardiac Arrest in an Auto Accident
There has been a lot of focus on car accidents in recent years to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that occur. Unfortunately, countless families are still irreparably damaged every year by car accidents. Some of these crashes can cause death through cardiac arrest.
The Role of the Heart in the Body
The heart is one of the most vital organs in the body. It pumps blood to cells throughout the body. This blood contains oxygen and nutrients that cells need to maintain their vital functions. The heart also helps to maintain blood pressure. The blood pressure is higher in the arteries than it is in the veins, allowing blood to flow downhill throughout the body before reaching the heart again. This is called circulation. If the heart stops pumping, the blood stops flowing. Without this blood flow, the cells become starved for oxygen and nutrients, leading to death. Ultimately, when too many brain cells die, death occurs.
How Does Cardiac Arrest Occur in a Car Accident?
Cardiac arrest is the term used to describe the cessation of cardiac function. Often, on TV shows, this is represented as a flat-line on the EKG monitor. Cardiac arrest can occur in several ways, including:
- Disruption of the normal electrical activity in the heart by a direct impact to the chest.
- Loss of blood in the heart due to a severe laceration.
- A penetrating injury to the heart itself.
Regardless of the cause, when the heart stops pumping, this needs to be addressed quickly. Somebody trained in CPR should start chest compressions and 911 should be called immediately. If the heart is not restarted in minutes, death could occur.
Watch YouTube Video: Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. This short video sheds some light on symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest and provides steps on how to prevent it.
Help from a Lawyer
Cardiac arrest is only one of the many different ways that someone could die in a car accident. Even for those who survive, there are permanent complications that someone can develop. Some of these could lead to a prolonged hospital stay, which can trigger numerous questions from family members. It is normal for families to have concerns after a serious car accident and it is essential for everyone to know that help is available. For this reason, it is vital to reach out and meet with an experienced car accident lawyer in Sacramento.
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Sacramento Car Accident Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento. Cardiac arrest can be fatal. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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Cardiac Arrest in an Auto Accident: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Pixabay. The image has been reproduced here with permission/ Cardiac Arrest in an Auto Accident.
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