Pediatr Ann
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Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or sudden cardiac death (SCD) in children and adolescents is a devastating event. Although the true incidence is unclear, the etiologies are not. Strategies for prevention include both primary as well as secondary prevention strategies, and these strategies are not mutually exclusive. ⋯ It is critically important to promote and advocate for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) education for everyone, including all students prior to graduation from high school. CPR and AEDs save the lives of children, adolescents, and adults. A society that is able and willing to perform CPR will result in an increase in the incidence of lay-rescuer CPR and will undoubtedly save more lives.