Cardiac Arrest: What It Is and How to React Fast
Ever wonder why cardiac arrest feels different from a heart attack? In a cardiac arrest the heart stops pumping blood altogether, while a heart attack is just a blockage. That sudden stop means no oxygen reaches the brain, and every second counts.
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Think of your heart as a pump. When it hiccups, you might feel chest pain, but the pump keeps moving. In cardiac arrest, the pump freezes. The most common cause is an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. Other triggers include severe heart disease, drowning, very low potassium, or a massive blow to the chest.
Typical signs are:
- No pulse or breathing
- Sudden collapse
- Skin that looks pale or bluish
- Unresponsiveness when you shout or shake
If you see any of these, treat it as an emergency right away.
How to Respond When It Happens
First, call emergency services. Even if you think you’ll get help fast, the 911 dispatcher can give you guidance while the ambulance is on the way. Next, start CPR. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest—about 2 inches deep at 100 to 120 compressions per minute. You don’t need perfect technique; just keep the blood moving.
If an AED (automated external defibrillator) is nearby, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. The device will analyze the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if needed. Many public places—airports, schools, gyms—have AEDs, so it’s worth spotting them before you ever need one.
While you’re compressing, try to keep your elbows straight, shoulders above your hands, and let the chest rise completely between pushes. If another person is available, they can take turns every two minutes to avoid fatigue.
After the ambulance arrives, let the professionals take over. They’ll continue advanced life support, which may include medication, intubation, and further defibrillation.
Knowing these steps can mean the difference between life and death. You don’t have to be a medical expert—just stay calm, act fast, and remember the rhythm: Call, Compress, Defibrillate.
Want to be even more ready? Consider a short CPR course. Many community centers offer free or low‑cost classes, and the skills stick with you for life. The more people who know how to respond, the higher the chance someone will survive a cardiac arrest.
In short, cardiac arrest is a sudden heart‑stop event that needs immediate action. Spot the signs, call for help, start CPR, and use an AED if you can. Simple steps, huge impact.
