Things to know about cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest, also known as cardiopulmonary arrest, is the sudden loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease.

It can come on abruptly, or in the wake of other symptoms. Cardiac arrest is often fatal, if appropriate steps aren’t taken immediately.

Sudden cardiac arrest signs and symptoms are immediate and drastic, and include:

•Sudden collapse

•No pulse

•No breathing

•Loss of consciousness

Sometimes other signs and symptoms occur before sudden cardiac arrest. These might include:

•Chest discomfort or pain

•Shortness of breath

•Weakness

•Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeats)

•Unexplained wheezing

•Fainting or near fainting

•Light-headedness or dizziness

But sudden cardiac arrest often occurs with no warning. The person does not respond, even if you tap him or her hard on the shoulders, or ask loudly if he or she is all right. The person does not move, speak, blink or otherwise react. The person will stop breathing or gasp for air.

When someone experiences any of the above symptoms, check whether the person has stopped breathing or is gasping, and then administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Push hard and fast. Push down at least two inches at a rate of 100 to 120 pushes a minute in the centre of the chest, allowing the chest to come back to its normal position after each push. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Turn it on and follow the prompts. Continue administering CPR until the person starts to breathe or move, or until someone with more advanced training, such as an Emergency Medical Service team member, takes over.

If you have tried and failed to get the person to respond, and you think the person may be suffering cardiac arrest, yell for help. Tell someone nearby to call 911 or your emergency response number. Ask that person or another bystander to bring you an AED if there is one on hand. Tell them to hurry, as time is of the essence.