Sudden Cardiac Arrest – What Happens and How You Can Help

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is when the heart stops beating properly and blood stops flowing to the brain. It can happen to anyone, even people who seem healthy. If you spot it early and act fast, you can save a life.

Recognizing the Emergency

Typical signs are collapse, no pulse, and no breathing or only gasping. People often describe it as “collapse and unresponsiveness.” Unlike a heart attack, there may be no chest pain. If someone falls, doesn’t respond when you shout, and isn’t breathing normally, treat it as SCA.

Ask a bystander to call emergency services right away. Time is the most important factor – every minute without CPR reduces survival chances by about 10%.

Life‑Saving Steps You Can Take

Start CPR immediately. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, stack the other hand on top, and lock your elbows. Press hard and fast – about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Let the chest rise fully between pushes. If you’re trained, add rescue breaths after 30 compressions: two breaths, then resume compressions.

If an automated external defibrator (AED) is nearby, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. The device will analyze the heart rhythm and tell you whether a shock is needed. Apply the pads as shown, stand clear, and press the shock button if instructed.

Even if you’re not confident, doing hands‑only compressions is better than doing nothing. Keep compressions going until professional help arrives or the person starts breathing again.

Prevention matters too. Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under control. Exercise regularly, quit smoking, and limit high‑salt foods. Get routine heart checks, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or have experienced fainting spells.

Know the signs, stay calm, and act fast. A few minutes of your effort can turn a tragedy into a story of survival.