A Cardiac emergency can happen at any time, leaving bystanders with the crucial responsibility of acting quickly to save a life. When a defibrillator is not immediately available, every second counts. Knowing how to respond effectively can mean the difference between life and death. This guide outlines the essential steps you need to take during a suspected cardiac arrest.

1. Call Emergency Services Immediately.

Your first and most urgent action should be to call emergency services—dial 999 in the UK. This step is paramount and should be done without delay. When speaking with the emergency operator, clearly state that the person is in cardiac arrest. Provide a concise description of their condition (such as unconsciousness or not breathing) and give your exact location, including any nearby landmarks or identifying details. Staying on the line with the operator until they advise you to hang up is crucial, as they may offer important instructions.

2. In a Assess the Situation and Perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

After calling emergency services, quickly assess the situation. Check if the person is responsive—gently shake them and shout to see if they wake up. If they do not respond and aren’t breathing normally, you must start CPR immediately. Even if you’re unsure whether the person is in cardiac arrest, it’s better to begin CPR than to do nothing.

• Chest Compressions: Technique is everything. Position yourself so your shoulders are directly above your hands, with the heel of your lower hand pressing down on the centre of the person’s chest. Use your body weight to push down hard and fast—aim for a depth of about 5-6cm (2-2.5 inches) at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. If keeping the right rhythm worries you, think of the beat to “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, which matches the recommended pace.
• Rescue Breaths: Rescue breaths are important but should only be given if you’re trained and feel comfortable. Tilt the person’s head back slightly to open the airway, pinch their nose shut, and give two breaths, ensuring each breath causes the chest to rise. After the breaths, return immediately to chest compressions. Remember, the ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths.

If you haven’t already, consider taking a CPR training course to equip yourself fully for such emergencies.

3. Continue Cardiac Emergency CPR Without Interruption Until Help Arrives

Once you start CPR, do not stop until emergency responders arrive. If you’re not alone, take turns with another bystander who knows CPR to keep the quality and speed of compressions consistent. Switching every two minutes or so can prevent fatigue, which might compromise the effectiveness of compressions. The goal is to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and vital organs, buying critical time until advanced care arrives.

Even if you’re uncertain about your CPR technique, remember that taking action is far better than doing nothing. Immediate action can dramatically improve the person’s chances of survival.

4. Follow Instructions from Emergency Services

While performing CPR, keep your phone on speaker mode so you can hear any additional instructions the emergency operator might give. They can provide you with valuable advice or guide you to locate the nearest AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Their guidance can be a lifeline in such a stressful situation, so follow their instructions carefully.

5. Locate and Use Nearby AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators)

AEDs play a critical role in the chain of survival during cardiac arrest. These devices are becoming more common in public spaces like shopping centres, airports, and sports facilities. While you may not think there’s an AED around you, there more likely is. If you’re in a public area, quickly look for signs indicating the presence of an AED or ask someone nearby to find it for you. Most AEDs are designed for ease of use by untrained individuals; they provide verbal instructions and visual cues that guide you through delivering a shock.

Once you’ve retrieved the AED, turn it on and follow its prompts. The device will instruct you to attach the electrode pads to the person’s chest. It will then analyse the heart rhythm and advise whether a shock is necessary. If a shock is needed, the AED will prompt you to press the shock button. The device will only deliver a shock if it’s necessary, so there’s no risk of using it incorrectly. For more tips on where to find AEDs in public spaces, visit our AED Location Guide.

6. Stay with the Person and Provide Continuous Support

Throughout the emergency, stay with the person, providing both physical and emotional support. If the person regains consciousness, reassure them and keep them calm until professional help arrives. If they remain unresponsive, continue CPR and monitor them closely for any changes in their condition.

Knowing how to support someone in an emergency can make a significant difference during these critical moments.

7. Post-Emergency: What to Do After Help Arrives

When professional medical help arrives, your role in the emergency may not be over. You might need to provide the responders with crucial information, such as how long the person was unresponsive, when you started CPR, and any other actions taken (like using an AED). This information can be vital for the medical team’s ongoing treatment.

After the incident, take time to debrief and process what happened. Cardiac emergencies are extremely stressful, and it’s important to acknowledge the emotional impact it may have had on you. Talking with others who were present or seeking support from a counsellor can be very helpful.

Why Being Prepared Is Crucial

Being prepared is your best defence in a cardiac emergency. Understanding the basics of CPR, knowing how to use an AED, and familiarising yourself with the locations of AEDs in your community can make a life-saving difference.

We highly recommend enrolling in a CPR and AED training course to ensure you’re ready to act decisively when every second counts.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in someone’s survival during a cardiac emergency. Don’t wait for a cardiac emergency to occur—prepare yourself now to respond confidently and effectively.

 

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