What is cardiac arrest:

According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest is the “abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease. It can come on suddenly, or in the wake of other symptoms. Cardiac arrest is often fatal, if appropriate steps aren’t taken immediately.

Each year in the United States, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting”

Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest:

• Fatigue or weakness

• Shortness of breath

• Fainting

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Heart palpitations

• Chest pains

What to do:

First call 911 for emergency medical services. The faster first responders can arrive on scene the better the chances are of survival. Then, get an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available. Begin CPR and continue until professional emergency medical services arrive on scene. Perform Hands-Only CPR to the beat of the classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive.” By doing this, you can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival.