Last Updated on January 28, 2024 by CPR Training

What is cardiac arrest, you ask?

Well, let me tell you, it’s not a topic to be taken lightly.

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that could suddenly strike any person anyplace.

The consequences could be dire if you don’t know what it looks like or how to respond effectively.

1. Understand Cardiac Arrest

It is a serious heart condition that can strike without warning.

This sudden halt in pumping blood causes people to lose consciousness and requires immediate medical care by a healthcare provider or hospital staff; otherwise, most victims outside of a hospital die from it.

The Confusion Between Heart Attacks and Cardiac Arrests

Mistakenly people confuse cardiac arrests and coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as a heart attack, are one and the same; however, they are two distinct conditions.

In reality, they are different conditions: CHD typically presents symptoms like chest pain or vomiting chest pain caused by blocked arteries which restricts blood flow and damages the heart muscle over time, while cardiac arrests happen suddenly when your heartbeat becomes irregular, causing you to pass out within seconds if not minutes because there’s no oxygen-rich blood reaching your brain.

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Besides losing consciousness abruptly, other signs may include shortness of breath with palpitations before collapsing entirely, making this situation distinct from those experiencing coronary artery diseases, which usually feel discomfort rather than passing out immediately after feeling unwell.

We’ll examine how to best respond during these emergencies next. Stay tuned.

2. Respond to Cardiac Arrest

The moment someone suffers a cardiac arrest, time becomes the enemy.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial in these situations, and knowing how to perform it can save lives.

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If you notice someone suddenly losing consciousness and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately.

This involves chest compressions and rescue breaths that help keep blood flowing until medical care arrives.

AEDs Save Lives Too.

Beyond CPR, using an automatic external defibrillator (AED) dramatically increases survival rates of cardiac arrests outside hospitals, where most people, unfortunately, die due to a lack of immediate response.

Leveraging AED for Quick Response

• Analyze the situation quickly but carefully; ensure safety before proceeding.
• Call local emergency services while starting chest compressions.
• If available nearby, use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) immediately.

3. Prepare for Cardiac Arrest Emergencies

The importance of being prepared for cardiac emergencies cannot be overstated.

Why?

The harsh reality is that most people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital die.

AED Training Saves Lives

This is where Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) come into play.

You see, AEDs save lives by restoring normal heart rhythms in individuals experiencing cardiac arrests.

Incorporate Onsite CPR and AED training programs.

To ensure your team can respond effectively to such an emergency, consider incorporating onsite CPR and AED training programs from reputable companies like EMC CPR & Safety Training. Whether you choose a full classroom or blending learning option, we got you covered.

• CPR: Everyone must know how to start CPR when someone loses consciousness due to lack of blood flow damage caused by blocked arteries in coronary heart disease cases.
• AED Usage: Teaching employees how these devices work will empower them with knowledge and confidence should they ever need it.

Create a Heart-Healthy Workplace Environment

Beyond this immediate response preparation, promoting overall heart health within your organization can help reduce risk factors associated with heart attacks and cardiac arrests.

Your Role as Director of Operations/Human Resources/Manager of Health & Safety

You have the power -and responsibility- to protect your workforce from life-threatening situations like sudden cardiac arrest through effective planning and education initiatives.

Remember – every second counts when pumping blood stops flowing.

4. FAQs about What is Cardiac Arrest

Conclusion

What is cardiac arrest? It is a silent predator, striking when least expected.

We’ve walked you through its signs and symptoms. Realizing the indicators may be the distinction between existence and demise.

You now know how to respond swiftly – with CPR or an AED. These tools can save lives in those critical moments after it strikes.

Your workplace should never underestimate the power of preparedness. With onsite training through AHA, ARC, or HSI, your team will be ready for any heart health emergency that comes their way.

Remember what we learned about cardiac arrest today: it’s sudden and serious, but being equipped with knowledge makes all the difference!