CPR awareness
Understanding sudden cardiac arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the heart unexpectedly stops pumping blood effectively. It is time-critical and requires an immediate response from people nearby and emergency services.
- Topic
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Response
- Time-critical emergency
- Training
- Practical instruction recommended
Cardiac arrest and heart attack are different
A heart attack is caused by blocked blood flow to part of the heart. Cardiac arrest is an electrical or mechanical failure in which the heart stops pumping effectively. A heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest.
Why bystanders matter
A person nearby may be the first to notice a sudden collapse. Recognising the emergency, contacting local emergency services and following dispatcher instructions can begin the response before professional help arrives.
Learn through supervised practice
This website provides awareness information, not a substitute for practical instruction. A supervised course lets participants practise assessment and CPR skills with trained instructors and manikins.