Sudden cardiac arrest can stop someone’s heart—and their life—in an instant. It doesn’t play favourites and can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. But here’s the good news: knowing what it is, what to look for, and what to do can make all the difference. Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple and straightforward, so you can be prepared if the unthinkable happens.
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Imagine your heart as an orchestra conductor. It keeps everything in rhythm so your body works in harmony. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is like the conductor suddenly dropping the baton. The heart’s electrical system malfunctions, the rhythm gets chaotic, and the heart can’t pump blood properly. Without quick action, this can be deadly.
Myth-Busting: Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that cardiac arrest and heart attack mean the same thing. Let’s clear this up:
Heart Attack: This is a plumbing problem. Blocked arteries (pipes) stop blood flow to the heart muscle, causing damage. It’s serious but not necessarily fatal, and the heart usually keeps beating.
Cardiac Arrest: This is an electrical issue. The heart’s rhythm goes haywire or stops altogether, which means blood isn’t pumped to the brain or other vital organs. Without immediate action, it can be fatal.
A heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, but they’re not the same thing. Both are serious medical events that you need to call 000 for, but knowing the difference is crucial for understanding what kind of help someone needs.
Who Can Experience Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Short answer: anyone.
Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t care about age, fitness, or how much kale you eat. It can strike elite athletes, grandparents, and even kids. Sure, some things can increase the risk, like heart disease, family history, or certain medical conditions, but SCA doesn’t always give a warning.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Here’s how to spot sudden cardiac arrest:
Sudden Collapse: They fall to the ground without warning.
No Breathing: They’re not breathing at all or just making a gurgling sound.
Sometimes, there are warning signs beforehand, like chest pain, feeling dizzy, or struggling to breathe. But often, it happens with no heads-up. If someone is unconscious (you can’t wake them up) and they’re not breathing, it’s a cardiac arrest.
What to Do if Someone is in Cardiac Arrest
This is where you can help save a life. When someone’s in cardiac arrest, every second counts. This action plan is built around the Chain of Survival: Call, Push, Shock.
Call for Help
Ring Triple Zero (000) in Australia or your local emergency number. Tell them it’s a cardiac arrest and give your location. If possible, tell someone nearby to go grab the nearest AED while you start CPR.
Push Hard and Fast
This is the "Push" step in Call, Push, Shock. Get your hands on their chest and start pushing hard and fast in the centre. Aim for 100-120 compressions a minute—think of the beat to a fast song like "Stayin' Alive." You don’t have to be trained or qualified, just give it a go.
Shock with an AED
Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) is simpler than you might think. Just turn it on, and it will tell you exactly what to do. While you keep doing CPR, someone else should grab the AED, turn it on, and you both follow its voice instructions. It’s designed to guide you step by step, so there’s no guesswork involved.
Keep Going
Don’t stop CPR or using the AED until paramedics arrive and take over, unless the patient starts breathing on their own. You’re giving them the best chance at survival. Remember, the Chain of Survival—Call, Push, Shock—is your roadmap in these situations. Learn more about this vital concept in our dedicated article here.
Wrapping Up
Sudden cardiac arrest is serious, but it’s not unbeatable. Being prepared and acting quickly can save lives. Remember, any attempt at resuscitation is better than none. Learn how to do compressions and use an AED with our free online course. It covers all the basics you need to know to be ready in an emergency. Share this info with others and encourage them to take the course too. You never know when this knowledge might save a life—maybe even someone you love.
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