According to statistics, what percentage of cardiac arrest patients in the UK receive a shock from an AED before emergency services arrive?

The correct answer reflects the reality of how often Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are utilized before emergency services arrive at the scene of a cardiac arrest in the UK. Statistically, it is noted that less than 2% of cardiac arrest patients actually receive a shock from an AED prior to the arrival of first responders. This underscores the challenges faced in emergency situations, including the availability of AEDs, public awareness about their use, and the speed of emergency response times.

The low percentage indicates that while AEDs can be crucial in saving lives by restarting the heart during a cardiac arrest, many patients do not receive this life-saving intervention in time. Understanding this statistic is vital for emphasizing the importance of increasing public access to AEDs and training individuals in their use, which could potentially raise the percentage of patients receiving shocks from these devices.