Annually, approximately 350,000 adults in the United States experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In many instances, these events end in loss of life.

Cardiac arrest happens when a person’s heart suddenly stops pumping as a result of an arrhythmia. When this takes place, blood stops flowing to the brain and other bodily organs, and the individual experiences sudden cardiac arrest — a medical emergency.

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

The symptoms of cardiac arrest are immediate and clear:

• Lack of a pulse
• Loss of consciousness
• No breathing
• Sudden collapse

At times, the body hints that cardiac arrest onset will occur. These symptoms might include any of the following:

• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness

But, in most cases, there are no warning signs that sudden cardiac arrest is imminent.

What To Do when Someone Displays Signs of Cardiac Arrest

If you are in a public space and see a person collapse as well as display other symptoms of cardiac arrest, take immediate action. Your effort could save this person’s life.

1. Check for a response by tapping or shaking the shoulders; ask in a loud, direct voice — “Are you okay?”
2. Check for no breathing or only gasping. If the person isn’t breathing or is only gasping, CPR is needed.
3. Shout for help. Tell someone near you to call 911 for an emergency — a person has collapsed and is not breathing.
4. Send someone to find and bring to you an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as quickly as possible. If you’re alone with the person who collapsed, call 911 first. Then seek an AED if you know where one is available.
5. Perform CPR. Push down at least two inches in the center of the person’s chest at a rate of 100 to 120 pushes a minute. Allow the chest to come back up to its normal position before the next push. Create a steady rhythm in your pushes.
6. Use an AED. As soon as it arrives, turn it on and follow the prompts given by the machine, while another person continues chest compressions. The AED will provide a shock and tell you when it is safe to resume CPR.
7. Continue CPR until the person starts to breathe or move, a member of  emergency medical services (EMS) arrives , someone steps up to take turns with you or someone with more advanced training can take over.

Jeff Williams, MD, MPH, the deputy medical director for Wake County Department of EMS, explains, “People who are in cardiac arrest don’t all look the same. Sometimes they may look like they are trying to breathe (gasping). If you find someone unconscious and not breathing normally, take action! Call 911, send someone for the nearest AED and start chest compressions! The 911 telecommunicators will ask you if the person is conscious and if he or she is breathing normally. If the answer to both questions is “no,” place an AED on the patient and begin chest compressions! The 911 telecommunicators will give you instructions to place an AED and help you with CPR over the phone. Intervening early in cardiac arrest with AED placement and chest compressions saves lives! You will not harm an unconscious person by following the AED instructions and starting chest compressions.”

WakeMed Patients Who Survived Cardiac Arrest

At WakeMed, we have many stories of patients who experienced an out-of-the-hospital cardiac arrest and survived —  thanks to the swift action of someone close by.

Nigeria McMichael experienced cardiac arrest at home in her bedroom. Her aunt heard her fall and entered the room to find she’d collapsed. She immediately called 911 and emergency medical technicians sped her to the hospital. Today, she is thriving.

Harriet Huskin displayed warning signs of a cardiac arrest while attending a wedding reception with her husband and daughter. She felt chest tightness and heartburn symptoms but brushed it off. Soon thereafter, her lips turned blue, and she slumped over in her chair. Her daughter asked the wait staff to call 911. Harriet’s husband began administering chest compressions and two other wedding guests jumped in to help. Thanks to the quick thinking of those around Harriet, her life was saved.

Tanya Blue, a second-grade teacher in Knightdale, was administering a spelling test to her students. She suddenly fell forward and was unresponsive. Her students ran into the hall, calling for help. Her school administrator stepped in with CPR while other staff cleared the hall, called 911 and got the AED. Two WakeMed nurses who were there for a parents’ tour identified themselves and joined the lifesaving effort, administering CPR and working with the AED. Today, Tanya is back in the classroom as a result of many people who heeded the call to help.

Save a Life — Learn CPR

An emergency can happen at any time and in any place. It’s important that you know CPR — because you never know when you’ll be called on to save a life. Check out the fundamental differences in CPR for infants, children and adults.

WakeMed also offers in-person classes on performing bystander CPR in the community. Check out our Classes & Events page for program dates coming soon. We also offer training on Infant CPR. Learn more about our “IN-PERSON Infant/CPR and Safety” workshops. Register here.

The American Red Cross offers trainings in adult CPR. Sign up for a class.

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About WakeMed Emergency Care

The WakeMed system of emergency departments is one of the largest and busiest in North Carolina. As a result, we’ve pretty much seen it all. Our doctors are board certified in emergency medicine, are backed by the highest designated Trauma Center available and bring with them the depth of experience that you would expect from the area’s leader in emergency care.

So, rest assured that no matter where it hurts we’ve got you covered.

About the WakeMed Heart Center

When it comes to matters of the heart, there’s nothing like experience. Wake County’s first open heart surgery was performed at WakeMed in 1968, and we continue to be a leader in innovative cardiovascular care delivered by highly trained, board-certified physicians and staff who take a team approach to patient care. At WakeMed, patients always come first.

Whether it’s having a cardiac intervention team ready and waiting for you in a time of emergency, managing your high cholesterol or high blood pressure levels or helping you regain strength with our dedicated cardiac rehab program, WakeMed’s Heart & Vascular services, physicians and staff are here for you.

About WakeMed Heart & Vascular

WakeMed Heart & Vascular physicians bring together expert cardiovascular, thoracic and vascular surgeons who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of cardiovascular care in Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner and Clayton, N.C. For decades, these physicians have chosen to bring their talent and expertise to WakeMed for its reputation for excellence in cardiovascular care and commitment to providing the most exceptional patient experience.