31/05/2026
What to Do When Someone Has a Cardiac Arrest (For non-medical people)
A cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency where the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. Quick action can save a life.
1. Check if the Person Is Responsive
Tap their shoulders firmly.
Shout: "Are you okay?"
Look for normal breathing.
If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally (or only gasping), treat it as cardiac arrest.
2. Call Emergency Services Immediately
Call your local emergency number right away.
Put the phone on speaker if possible.
If other people are nearby, point to a specific person and say:
"You, call emergency services!"
"You, find an AED!"
3. Start Hands-Only CPR
Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest and your other hand on top.
Push hard and fast.
Compress at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
Push about 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches) deep in adults.
Allow the chest to fully rise between compressions.
A helpful rhythm is the beat of the song Stayin' Alive.
4. Use an AED if Available
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can restart a normal heart rhythm.
Turn the AED on.
Follow the voice instructions.
Attach the pads as shown in the diagrams on the pads.
Make sure nobody is touching the person when the AED analyzes or delivers a shock.
5. Continue Until Help Arrives
Keep doing CPR until:
Emergency responders take over.
The person starts breathing normally and becomes responsive.
You are physically unable to continue.
Remember: C-A-B
C – Compressions
A – Airway
B – Breathing
For most adults, if you are not trained in rescue breathing, hands-only CPR is better than doing nothing.
Quick Summary
✅ Check responsiveness and breathing
✅ Call emergency services
✅ Start chest compressions immediately
✅ Use an AED if available
✅ Continue CPR until help arrives
Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival, so acting quickly is critical.