Cardiac arrest is one of the most terrifying medical emergencies a person can experience. It happens suddenly and without warning, and every second matters. If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone collapses and becomes unresponsive, knowing what to do could be the difference between life and death.
The good news is that you do not need to be a doctor or paramedic to save a life. You just need to act quickly, stay calm, and follow a few critical steps.
Recognize the Signs
The first step is understanding what cardiac arrest looks like. Unlike a heart attack, which can come with chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea, cardiac arrest happens fast. The person will suddenly collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing normally. There may be gasping, but no real breathing.
Check for responsiveness by shouting at them and shaking their shoulders. If they do not respond and are not breathing or only gasping, assume it is cardiac arrest and take action immediately.
Call for Help
As soon as you recognize cardiac arrest, call 911 or have someone nearby make the call. The dispatcher will provide instructions and send emergency medical services as fast as possible. If you are alone, put your phone on speaker so you can talk while taking action.
Start Chest Compressions
The most important thing you can do for someone in cardiac arrest is perform high-quality chest compressions. This keeps blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until a defibrillator or medical help arrives.
- Position your hands – Place the heel of one hand in the center of their chest, just below the nipple line. Put your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
- Lock your elbows and push hard – Use your upper body weight to push straight down. The chest should compress at least two inches deep.
- Keep a steady rhythm – Aim for a pace of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A good way to keep time is by pushing to the beat of a song like Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees or Crazy in Love by Beyoncé.
Do not stop until help arrives or someone brings an AED.
Use an AED if Available
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are lifesaving devices that can restart the heart. They are designed for anyone to use, even without training. If one is nearby, send someone to grab it while you continue chest compressions.
Once you have the AED:
- Turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
- Expose the person’s chest and attach the electrode pads as shown in the diagram on the device.
- Let the AED analyze the heart rhythm.
- If a shock is advised, make sure no one is touching the person, then press the shock button.
- Continue chest compressions immediately after the shock, following the AED’s instructions.
AEDs are found in many public places, including schools, gyms, airports, malls, and office buildings. If you are in a public space, do not hesitate to ask someone to look for one.
Continue CPR Until Help Arrives
If an AED is not available or does not advise a shock, continue compressions without stopping. Emergency responders will take over when they arrive. Even if the person starts breathing again, stay with them and monitor their condition.
Why Immediate Action Matters
Cardiac arrest does not give you time to wait and think. Every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation decreases the chance of survival by 7 to 10 percent. After 10 minutes without action, survival is extremely unlikely.
By stepping in and performing CPR or using an AED, you can double or even triple someone’s chance of survival. That is why learning these steps and acting without hesitation is so important.
Take the Next Step – Get Trained
While anyone can do CPR in an emergency, formal training helps build confidence and ensures you know what to do in a high-stress situation. Many organizations offer CPR and AED training courses, both in person and online.
Being prepared means you will not have to think twice if you ever witness a cardiac arrest. You will be ready to step in, take action, and potentially save a life.
If your workplace, school, or community space does not have an AED, now is the time to change that. Having one on hand could mean the difference between life and death when seconds matter most.
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