03:11 PM CST on Tuesday, March 28, 2006

By Janice Williamson / 11 News

Cardiac arrest kills more every year than violence, breast cancer, prostate cancer and AIDS combined.

The only cure is to restart the heart with an electric shock, and home defibrillators are now available for purchase – so one can stay in your home.

At the Casscells’ house, piano isn’t the only required practice.

“Hey guys I’m home,” Dr. Ward Casscells said. “I don’t feel well though.”

A cardiac arrest drill is sometimes on the agenda.

“Are you ok?” 10-year-old Henry asked.

While Henry checks his dad, 8-year-old LiIly comes running with their home defibrillator.

“Begin by removing all clothing from patient’s chest,” the machine instructed.

When the Food and Drug Administration approved home units without a prescription, the Casscells forked out $1,500 for one.

“Because you can save a life,” Dr. Casscells said. “And you can also teach your kids so if it happens in their school or in the airport they may be the ones to save a life.”

In the last five years, defibrillators have become common in some government buildings and aiports.   

Studies show the public can and will successfully use defibrillators.

The device talks would be rescuers through each step.

Several doctors said families with high-risk patients would do well to consider a home defibrillator. They also offered this caution.

“I think anybody considering this needs to consider and to take a basic life support course,” emergency medicine Dr. Arlo Weltge said. “They need to understand what to do if someone collapses.”

When Dr. Casscells isn’t being a dad, he’s a cardiologist with a message.

For every minute that passes after a cardiac arrest, the chance of survival decreases 10 percent.

“At five minutes you’re getting some brain damage, and you only have a 50 percent chance of survival,” he said. “So you gotta get it going in the first few minutes.”

He believes home defibrillators could easily help save a life.