Would You Know What to Do If Someone Had a Cardiac Arrest?

Nick Parkin

Oct 12

5 min read

It’s an ordinary day at work, at the gym, in a shop, at a sports club or simply out with

friends. Without warning, someone collapses in front of you. They’re unresponsive.

What happens next?

Who calls 999? Who starts CPR? Where is the nearest defibrillator? Does anyone know

how to use it?

And perhaps the biggest question of all:

Would you feel confident enough to step forward and do something?

Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time. Being prepared isn't just something for designated first aiders or healthcare professionals.

It is something we should all think about.

Having a defibrillator is a great start – but is everyone prepared?

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are becoming increasingly familiar in workplaces, offices, sports clubs, shopping centres, railway stations, community buildings and other public places.

That's fantastic progress.

But simply having a defibrillator nearby doesn't automatically mean people are prepared to deal with a cardiac arrest.

Would you know where your nearest AED is?

Would you know how to use it?

More importantly, would you recognise that someone was in cardiac arrest in the first

place?

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone

It's easy to think:

“It won't happen here.”

But a cardiac arrest doesn't care whether you're in an office, warehouse, factory, sports

club, shop or walking through the town centre.

It could be a colleague, customer, visitor, friend, family member or a complete stranger.

That's why Basic Life Support skills are so valuable.

You may never need to use them.

But if you do, you could be the person standing closest when somebody's life depends on what happens next.

The first few minutes matter

A cardiac arrest is one of the most time-critical emergencies we can face.

Current Resuscitation Council UK guidance gives us a very straightforward message:

CHECK – CALL – CPR

If someone unexpectedly collapses and remains unresponsive, cardiac arrest should be

suspected.

Call 999 immediately.

Assess their breathing while waiting for the call to be answered. If they'e unresponsive

and not breathing normally, start CPR and get an AED as quickly as possible.

One important point is that cardiac arrest doesn't always look like it does on television.

A casualty may gasp, pant or appear to be taking occasional, laboured breaths.

Gasping is not normal breathing.

Recognising this and acting quickly is important.

Don't be frightened of doing something

One of the biggest barriers in an emergency can simply be confidence.

“What if I get it wrong?”

“What if I hurt them?”

“Surely someone else knows what they're doing?”

“I've never used a defibrillator.”

These thoughts can cost valuable time.

If somebody is in cardiac arrest, they need help.

Call 999, put your phone on speaker and follow the call handler's instructions.

For an adult in cardiac arrest, chest compressions should be delivered at 100–120 per

minute, to a depth of approximately 5–6 cm, allowing the chest to fully recoil between

compressions.

If you're trained to give rescue breaths, use 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.

And if an AED is available – use it as soon as possible.

You don't need to be a medical professional to use an AED

This is something we reinforce during our Parkin Medical courses.

AEDs are designed to be used by ordinary people.

Switch it on and it will guide you through what to do.

The AED analyses the casualty's heart rhythm and determines whether a shock is required. It won't simply deliver a shock because somebody presses the button.

The important thing is getting the AED to the casualty and using it quickly.

Where is your nearest defibrillator?

Here's a simple question you can ask yourself right now:

If somebody collapsed where you are currently sitting or standing, where would you get an

AED from?

If you're at work, is there one in the building?

Do staff know where it is?

Is it clearly signposted?

Is it accessible?

If you're in a public place, would you know where to look?

Having a defibrillator is excellent.

Having a defibrillator that nobody can find isn't nearly as useful.

What happens in your workplace?

For businesses and organisations, there is another important consideration.

Imagine somebody collapses in your workplace tomorrow.

Who calls 999?

Who starts CPR?

Who gets the AED?

Who meets the ambulance?

Who keeps other staff, customers or visitors away and gives the casualty some dignity?

Who takes over CPR when the first person becomes tired?

Good emergency response isn't just about one first aider knowing what to do.

It's about communication, confidence and teamwork.

Instead of shouting:

“Someone call an ambulance!”

Be specific:

“You – call 999, put it on speaker and come straight back to me.”

Clear communication can make a huge difference.

Could an ambulance find you?

This is another question that's easily overlooked.

In a large office, industrial estate, warehouse, school, sports ground or outdoor workplace,

simply giving the company name may not be enough.

Which entrance should the ambulance use?

Is there a barrier or locked gate?

Does reception know what has happened?

Does somebody need to meet the ambulance?

Can the crew easily reach the casualty?

These are things worth considering before an emergency happens.

Practise the situation – not just the skill

Learning how to perform CPR on a manikin is essential.

But at Parkin Medical, we believe training should go further.

What happens when the person who normally takes charge isn't there?

What happens when somebody panics?

What happens when the AED is on another floor?

What happens when nobody knows which entrance the ambulance should use?

What happens when the first person performing CPR becomes exhausted?

Real emergencies don't follow a neat classroom script.

That's why our training is practical, hands-on and scenario based.

We want people not only to know the steps of CPR, but to have the confidence to step

forward and actually use those skills when somebody needs them.

Ask yourself these five questions today

1. Would I recognise someone in cardiac arrest?

2. Would I be confident enough to start CPR?

3. Do I know where my nearest AED is?

4. Would I be willing to use it?

5. Could I clearly direct an ambulance to where I am?

If you're unsure about any of those answers, perhaps it's time to refresh your skills.

CPR isn't just for first aiders

You don't have to be the workplace first aider to learn CPR.

You don't have to work in healthcare.

You don't need medical knowledge.

You simply need to be willing to learn what to do.

At Parkin Medical, our practical Basic Life Support, CPR and AED training is suitable for

workplaces, offices, clubs, organisations, community groups and members of the public.

We focus on practical skills, realistic situations and building the confidence to act.

Because when someone suddenly collapses, the most important person in the room may not be a doctor, nurse or paramedic.

It could be you.