An automatic emergency defibrillator

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Joe Secco never thought a shoebox-size machine could save a life until he collapsed on a Stardust casino dance floor in Las Vegas.

"Next thing I know I'm in the hospital," he said. "The guy said to me, 'You're doing fine, you're doing fine, you're in the hospital.'"

"I said, 'I am?'"

Secco's heart had been "shocked" back to normalcy by a casino security officer using an automatic emergency defibrillator.

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The device detects dangerous, irregular heart rhythms and automatically restores a regular heartbeat by using an electric current.

"It works," guard Jim Alexander said. "I'm glad we got 'em."

More companies are beginning to keep automatic defibrillators on hand and train employees to use them in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death in the United States. About 250,000 sudden cardiac deaths occur each year among adults.

Trainees learn to use the defibrillator

The condition occurs when there is an unexpected loss of heart function. The most common cause is cardiovascular disease.

Studies have found that up to 70 percent of the victims might be saved with the quick use of defibrillation.

The goal is to start treatment within four minutes -- before permanent brain damage or death.

"The defibrillator is probably the best treatment for people who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest," cardiologist Dr. Eric Isaacs said. ( 240 K/11 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Students learn in a four-hour class to follow the written instructions and the device's automated voice commands.

"I didn't know exactly how it works," said trainee Marvin Tucker. "You have an impression because of what you see on TV." Among the organizations equipped with the machines are Magic Mountain theme park, The Times Mirror Co., the Los Angeles Lakers and 80 percent of the casinos in Las Vegas. ( 120 K/5 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Advocates hope one day the devices will be as common as the fire extinguisher.

Correspondent Jim Hill contributed to this report.