Every year, over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the U.S. Yet, fewer than 40% of bystanders perform CPR when someone collapses. Why? Because most people simply don’t know what to do—and fear making things worse.
At American Heart CPR, we believe that knowledge saves lives. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what to do in a cardiac emergency, why immediate action matters, and how you can become confident enough to act when seconds count.
What Happens During a Cardiac Arrest?
A cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. While a heart attack is a circulation problem (blocked blood flow to the heart), a cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction that causes the heart to stop beating entirely.
Without immediate CPR and defibrillation (AED), the victim’s survival chance drops by 10% every minute. After just 10 minutes, irreversible brain damage or death is likely.
3 Critical Steps to Save a Life
1. Recognize the Emergency
- The person collapses suddenly
- They are unresponsive (not breathing or only gasping)
- No pulse (if you’re trained to check)
2. Call 911 & Send for an AED
- Yell for help and instruct someone to call 911.
- If an AED (automated external defibrillator) is nearby, send someone to grab it.
3. Start CPR Immediately
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (at least 2 inches deep, 100-120 beats per minute).
- If trained, give rescue breaths (30 compressions : 2 breaths).
- Don’t stop until help arrives or the person starts breathing.
💡 Did You Know? Hands-only CPR (chest compressions without breaths) can double or triple survival rates for adults.
Why Most People Hesitate (And Why You Shouldn’t)
- Fear of hurting the victim → But a broken rib is better than death.
- Lack of training → Even untrained bystanders can save lives with 911-guided CPR.
- Assuming someone else will act → In 70% of cases, no one intervenes before EMS arrives.
The reality? The person dying is often a loved one—a parent, spouse, or child. Wouldn’t you want someone to help?
How You Can Be Prepared
- Take a CPR Class (Even a 1-hour course can make you lifesaver-ready.)
- Learn Where AEDs Are (Schools, gyms, offices—know your nearest one.)
- Spread Awareness (Encourage friends & family to get trained.)
Final Thought: Be the Difference Between Life and Death
Cardiac arrests don’t warn you—they strike anywhere, anytime. The difference between a tragic loss and a second chance often comes down to one person willing to act.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Sign up for a CPR class today and become someone’s hero.
