Cardiac arrest can strike without warning—350,000 Americans experience it every year, including 10,000 right here in Michigan. Yet, survival remains shockingly low: only 1 in 10 survive to hospital discharge.
Every Second Counts.
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Bystanders Save Lives
When a bystander steps in to give CPR, survival can double. If an AED is used, survival can be even higher. Yet…
♥️ Only 42% of cardiac arrests get bystander CPR.
♥️ Only 11% involve AED use.
The Chain of Survival
Cardiac arrest survival starts before reaching a hospital. Community members are the first and most vital link in this life-saving chain:
Recognize Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Call 911 Immediately
Start Hands-Only CPR
Use an AED if available
Common questions & answers
Information provided by the American Heart Association (heart.org)
What exactly is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease. It can come on suddenly or in the wake of other symptoms. Cardiac arrest is often fatal if appropriate steps aren’t taken immediately.
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What causes a cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest may be caused by almost any known heart condition.
Most cardiac arrests occur when a diseased heart’s electrical system malfunctions. This malfunction causes an abnormal heart rhythm such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Some cardiac arrests are also caused by extreme slowing of the heart’s rate (bradycardia).
Irregular heartbeats such as these are life-threatening.
What is the treatment for cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest can strike without warning. Do you suspect someone is experiencing cardiac arrest? The signs are:
Sudden loss of responsiveness – The person doesn’t respond, even if you tap them hard on the shoulders or ask loudly if they're OK. The person doesn’t move, speak, blink or otherwise react.
No normal breathing – The person isn’t breathing or is only gasping for air.
What to do
If you think the person may be suffering cardiac arrest and you're a trained lay rescuer:
Ensure scene safety.
Check for response.
Shout for help. Tell someone nearby to call 911 or your emergency response number. Ask that person or another bystander to bring you an AED (automated external defibrillator), if there’s one on hand. Tell them to hurry – time is critical. If you’re alone with an adult who has signs of cardiac arrest, call 911 and get an AED (if one is available).
Check for no breathing or only gasping. If the person isn’t breathing or is only gasping, begin CPR with compressions.
Administer high-quality CPR. Push down at least two inches in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 pushes a minute. Allow the chest to come back up to its normal position after each push.
Use an AED. As soon as it arrives, turn it on and follow the prompts.
Continue CPR. Administer it until the person starts to breathe or move, or until someone with more advanced training, such as an EMS team member, takes over.
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Be a champion! Save a Heart!
Your tax-deductible donation today will go to help create a heart-healthier future by:
❤️ Funding the purchase and placement of AEDs in the community.
❤️ Training more people in Hands-only CPR each year to help save lives.
