When Every Second Counts
When someone suddenly collapses and isn't breathing normally, it can be hard to know what to do. Fear and confusion can take over—but knowing what to expect can help you stay calm and take action.
During a cardiac arrest, calling 911 is one of the most important things you can do. But you don't have to simply make the call and wait for help to arrive. There are several things you can do while emergency responders are on the way that can dramatically improve someone's chances of survival.
1. Call 911—and put your phone on speaker
If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911 immediately.
The dispatcher will ask questions about what happened and where you are. If you're unsure what to do next, tell the dispatcher what you see and follow their instructions.
Put your phone on speaker so you can communicate with the dispatcher while using both hands to help the person.
Don't worry about saying everything perfectly. The dispatcher is there to guide you.
2. Start CPR
If the person isn't breathing normally, begin CPR as soon as possible.
For an adult, this means pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. If you're not trained in CPR—or you're uncomfortable giving breaths—hands-only CPR is still an important way to help.
The goal isn't to perform perfect CPR. The goal is to keep blood moving to the brain and other vital organs until an AED or emergency responders can take over.
3. Don't be afraid to push hard
One of the biggest concerns people have about CPR is hurting the person.
Unfortunately, hesitation can be much more dangerous.
Effective chest compressions need to be hard and fast enough to circulate blood. You may hear cracking or feel something give during CPR. That can be frightening, but continuing CPR is critical.
If someone is in cardiac arrest, they are already in a life-threatening emergency. Your priority is keeping blood flowing until help arrives.
4. Find an AED
If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is nearby, have someone bring it to you.
You don't need to be a medical professional to use an AED. The device provides voice and visual instructions and analyzes the person's heart rhythm to determine whether a shock is appropriate.
Once the AED arrives:
Turn it on.
Follow the voice prompts.
Attach the pads as directed.
Make sure no one is touching the person when the AED analyzes the rhythm or delivers a shock.
Continue following the AED's instructions.
Don't wait to start CPR while someone searches for an AED. CPR and early defibrillation work together as part of the chain of survival.
5. Keep going until help arrives
CPR can be physically exhausting. If another person is available and knows how to perform CPR, take turns doing chest compressions when needed.
Continue CPR and follow the AED or 911 dispatcher's instructions until:
Emergency responders take over
The person shows obvious signs of life
An AED instructs you to stop
You are physically unable to continue
What happens when paramedics arrive?
When emergency responders arrive, they'll quickly assess the person and take over care. They may continue CPR, use the AED or other defibrillation equipment, provide oxygen and medications, and work to determine what caused the cardiac arrest.
The care doesn't start when the ambulance arrives, though.
It starts with the person who is already there.
That person might be a spouse, parent, coworker, friend, teacher—or a stranger.
You don't have to be a medical professional to make a difference
One of the most important things to understand about cardiac arrest is that bystanders play a critical role in the first few minutes.
You don't need to know everything. You don't need to be a nurse, doctor, EMT, or firefighter.
You need to recognize that something is wrong, call 911, start CPR, and use an AED if one is available.
Training can make those steps feel much less intimidating.
At Choice CPR Training & First Aid, we believe CPR training isn't just about earning a certification. It's about giving ordinary people the knowledge and confidence to respond when someone needs help.
Because when an emergency happens, you may be the most important person in the room.
Ready to learn CPR? Check out our upcoming CPR and BLS courses and get the hands-on training you need to respond with confidence.
