Cardiac Arrest: How to Spot the Signs and What You Can Do to Help
November 13, 2023 | Tags:
Cardiac arrest is a serious medical emergency, and with quick action, you can significantly increase a person’s odds of survival. Learn more about cardiac arrest, how to spot the signs of someone experiencing cardiac arrest and how you can help.
What are the Differences Between Cardiac Arrest and a Heart Attack?
“I like to think of it as the difference between electricity for an electrician and plumbing for a plumber,” said Dr. Dwight McFadden, Assistant Medical Director at Medical Mutual. “Cardiac arrest is caused by a malfunction of the body’s electrical system.”
During a cardiac arrest, the heart either stops beating or beats so fast that it cannot effectively pump blood to the rest of the body. A heart attack occurs when there’s a blockage of one of the arteries, cutting off the blood that gives oxygen to the muscles of the heart.
How Common is Cardiac Arrest?
The American Heart Association estimates that more than 356,000 people in the United States experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. “Outside of a hospital” is an important distinction.
“There are about as many in-hospital cardiac arrests, around 300,000,” Dr. McFadden explained. “People who are already in the hospital are much sicker and more likely to have risk factors for having cardiac arrest.”
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest?
The most common signs of cardiac arrest are sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, no pulse and no breathing. Fast action is critical and increases the chances of surviving a cardiac event.
Call 911 immediately if you or someone you’re with experiences these symptoms.
What Do You Do When You See Someone Go into Cardiac Arrest?
“Quickly make sure the scene is safe. You do not want to jump in and become part of the emergency yourself,” he said.
If the scene is not safe – if there is a fire, flood or downed power line, for example – move yourself and the person in cardiac arrest to safety. Next, try to get a response from the person. Gently tap them and ask if they are OK. If they are unresponsive, shout for help and begin CPR.
How You Can Help
CPR can help people who experience cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest survive. It should be performed only in an emergency when a person’s heart is not beating and is best performed with a partner. In addition to performing CPR, use an AED as soon as one is available. If help is available, have one person perform CPR while the other is on the phone with 911. Periodically switch roles to prevent exhaustion. Continue until emergency services arrive and can take over.
“If you are somewhere alone, call 911 on speaker and begin CPR,” Dr. McFadden said. “You do not want to be alone without anyone coming to help while you are performing CPR.”
To learn more about CPR and find classes in your area, visit the American Red Cross’ website or the American Heart Association’s website. Your local hospital may offer courses as well.
What is the Prognosis of Someone Who Gets Immediate Help?
CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association. However, less than half the people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital receive CPR before emergency personnel arrive.
Talk with Your Provider
If you have questions or concerns about your heart health, share them with your primary care provider (PCP). If you need help finding a provider covered by your Medical Mutual health plan, log in to My Health Plan and use our Find a Provider tool or call the Customer Care number on your ID card.