Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to global health estimates, over 7 million people suffer sudden cardiac arrest each year. In India alone, nearly 7–10 lakh people experience SCA annually — and less than 2% receive bystander CPR.

The survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is extremely low — around 5–10% — but if CPR is performed within the first few minutes, it can double or triple the chances of survival. That’s why it’s vital for everyone to know the basics of CPR. You don’t need to be a doctor to save a life.

By learning CPR and spreading awareness, we can turn bystanders into lifesavers — and dramatically reduce preventable deaths due to cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. It occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions and stops pumping blood to the body. It’s a medical emergency that, if not treated immediately, can lead to death within minutes.

Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack: A heart attack is caused by a blocked artery and may lead to cardiac arrest, but they are not the same. In cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating entirely. In a heart attack, the heart usually continues to beat, but blood flow is severely reduced.

• Sudden collapse or unresponsiveness
• No breathing or abnormal, gasping breaths
• No pulse (if you're trained to check)
• Loss of consciousness

1. Check for responsiveness: Gently shake the person and shout, "Are you okay?"
2. Call for emergency help: Dial 108 (India) or 911 (USA) immediately and put the call on speaker.
3. Check for breathing and pulse: Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for a pulse (if trained). If absent or abnormal, start CPR.
4. Start Chest Compressions:
   • Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (on the lower half of the sternum).
   • Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
   • Keep your arms straight and shoulders directly over your hands.
   • Push hard and fast – at least 100–120 compressions per minute and 2 inches deep.
   • Let the chest fully recoil between compressions.
5. Give Rescue Breaths (if trained):
   • After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths.
   • Tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose shut, and give a breath that makes the chest rise.
   • Continue the 30:2 ratio until help arrives or the person begins breathing.
6. Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available:
   • Turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
   • Expose the chest and attach the electrode pads as shown in the diagrams on the pads.
   • Stand clear when the device says "analyzing" or "shock advised".
   • Resume CPR immediately after the shock or if no shock is advised.

• Do not stop chest compressions unless help arrives or the person starts breathing.
• Do not turn the person on their side during CPR.
• If you're not trained in rescue breathing, continue hands-only CPR (just chest compressions).
• Use an AED as soon as it’s available – every minute without defibrillation reduces survival by 7–10%.

After a cardiac arrest, the person may need hospitalization, advanced monitoring, and sometimes therapeutic hypothermia or cardiac catheterization. If you performed CPR, you gave them the best possible chance of survival. Always follow up with emergency services and share the details of what happened.

Remember, your immediate response in the first few minutes can be life-saving. Consider taking a certified CPR training course to stay prepared.