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How to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest

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What to do when you witness a sudden cardiac arrest?

STEP 1

CHECK FOR A RESPONSE

Ask, "Are you Okay?" and tap the casualty's shoulder.

STEP 2

CHECK BREATHING

Open the airway with head-tilt chin lift. Observe for effective breathing for up to 10 seconds.

STEP 3

CALL 911

Once you’ve determined that the person is suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, you’re going to want to get someone to call 911if you haven’t already.

If no one else is around, call 911 on your own phone with the speaker on to keep your hands free.

STEP 4

START / CONTINUE CPR IMMEDIATELY

  1. Place hands on the center of the chest, compress 30 times.
    Compress 5 to 6 cm deep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
  2. Pinch nose and make a tight seal over the mouth, breathe into casualty twice.
    Use a pocket mask or CPR face shield whenever they are available.*

Perform these steps repeatedly until an AED or an ambulance arrives.

STEP 5

WHEN / IF AN AED ARRIVE, FOLLOW THE AUDIO PROMPTS

Turn on the device, follow the audio prompts, and place the pads as indicated by the pads' picture.

If no AED is available, continue CPR (30 compressions and 2 ventilations) until the ambulance arrives.

STEP 6

AED TO ANALYZE HEART RHYTHM

Stay clear from the casualty. The device will tell you if a shock is advised.

STEP 7

DELIVER SHOCK

If the AED detects a shockable heart rhythm, an electric shock is required. Follow the audio instructions from the AED to deliver a shock.

Do not worry. AED will NOT shock a person who does not need a shock.

STEP 8

REPEAT UNTIL AMBULANCE ARRIVES

Continue to give CPR and follow audio prompts from the AED.

*During the COVID-19 pandemic, check for effective breathing by observing the casualty's chest. Skip giving rescue breaths and placing a cloth or a mask (if available) over the casualty's mouth to avoid possible exposure.