A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating altogether, often due to an electrical problem. This causes the person to collapse, stop breathing, and lose consciousness immediately.

A heart attack, on the other hand, (also called myocardial infarction) occurs when the blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Without oxygen, the heart muscle starts to die.

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CPR

• 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, interlock your fingers, and keep arms straight, elbows locked

• Push down hard and fast. Yet ensure chest rise fully after each push down of CPR

  • Depth: 4-6 cm (about 2 inches)

  • Rate: 100-120 compressions per minute

• Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression.

• Continue CPR except for the following situations:

  • Paramedics arrive

  • Patient shows signs of life (starts breathing/have pulse)

  • AED is analysing heart rhythm and ask not to touch casualty/AED is administering shock

​​​​If you are physically unable to continue, try not to give up. However, if there is any bystander available for a swap, sway with them so that the CPR given is effective.

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Defibrillator

Have a nearby AED brought to the casualty:

• If there is another person around, ask him/her to get the AED

• If you are alone, only get the AED if it is visible or nearby. NEVER leave the casualty alone

Before using the AED:

• Check the surroundings for any metal/water/flammable gas. Ensure there are none.

• Use the kit in the AED to prep the chest

• Cut the shirt in a L-shape. Shave off any hair and wipe off any sweat present on the chest at the two areas where the pads are placed.

• Move aside any jewelry. Remove any medicinal patches. If there is a pacemaker, place pads 4 fingers away from it.

• Place pads at the correct position as shown by the picture and plug it into the AED.

 

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Follow the instructions of the AED carefully.