If you suspect that someone has gone into cardiac arrest, there are some simple steps you can take right away that could mean the difference between life and death.
Some signs of someone experiencing a cardiac arrest include:
- Sudden collapse: The person may fall to the ground suddenly without warning.
- Loss of consciousness: The person may become unconscious and unresponsive.
- No pulse: The person’s pulse may be difficult to detect or may be absent altogether.
- No breathing: The person may stop breathing or may be breathing in an abnormal way, such as gasping or making gurgling sounds.
- Chest pain: The person may experience severe chest pain or pressure.
- Shortness of breath: The person may feel short of breath or may experience difficulty breathing.
- Nausea or vomiting: The person may feel sick to their stomach or may vomit.
- Sweating: The person may break out in a cold sweat.
- Confusion or disorientation: The person may appear confused or disoriented.
- Paleness: The person’s skin may appear pale or grey.
If you suspect that someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number and follow the instructions given by the operator.