A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops beating. It can happen suddenly and usually occurs when there is a problem with the heart's electrical system, stopping the heart from pumping blood around the body. During a cardiac arrest, a person will be unresponsive and not breathing (or not breathing normally).

A cardiac arrest is a medical emergency but quick action from bystanders by performing CPR and using an AED can improve a person’s chance of survival.

A cardiac arrest happens suddenly and rapidly. It often occurs with no warning. The person in cardiac arrest will:

• Collapse and fall to the ground
• Lose consciousness and become non-responsive
• Not be breathing normally or not at all – it may sound like they are choking, gasping or gurgling.

A cardiac arrest is very different to a heart attack. During a heart attack, the person is conscious, breathing and can call out for help.

During a cardiac arrest, the person is not conscious, not breathing normally or at all, and cannot cry out for help.

Sometimes a heart attack can lead to a cardiac arrest. If you or someone is having a suspected heart attack, getting help as soon as possible can help prevent a cardiac arrest.

Both heart attacks and cardiac arrests are medical emergencies. Remember to call Triple Zero (000) immediately. The operator will be able to ask questions to determine what is happening and send help.

CPR is a combination of mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and chest compressions.

CPR helps to keep blood and oxygen circulating to the brain of a person whose heart has stopped beating, until the heart can be restarted.

Compressions-only CPR is CPR without rescue breaths (also known as ‘hands only CPR’). Both types of CPR double the person’s chance of survival.

CPR alone does not restore a normal heart rhythm. It does help keep the heart in a state where the AED has a greater chance of being able to do its job.

Remember, any attempt at resuscitation is better than none.

Chest compressions are easy and safe. Any attempt at resuscitation, even one that isn’t perfect, is always better than no attempt. Ambulance call takers will be on the phone and can guide you through the process if you need any help. The person you are helping is unconscious and cannot feel any pain.

No, you don’t need formal training to perform CPR. Any attempt at resuscitation is better than none. Just remember, Call, Push, Shock. The 000-call taker will guide you through CPR. The key is to push hard and fast on the chest.

Any resuscitation attempt is better than none. Most states have civil liability laws that may provide protections to bystanders that perform CPR under certain conditions. When you call 000, the 000-call taker will guide you through next steps, including CPR if you don’t know what to do.

Most states have an alert system that uses a phone app to notify registered responders – like off-duty health professionals and first-aiders – if a cardiac arrest occurs near them.

These responders can provide CPR while an ambulance is on the way.

Register to become a responder in your state:

• ACT and WA: http://www.stjohnwa.com.au/ambulance-and-health-services/community-first-responder
• NSW: https://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/goodsam
• VIC: https://www.goodsamapp.org/AV
• SA: https://www.goodsamapp.org/saas
• TAS: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/goodSAM
• Northern Territory: https://www.stjohnnt.org.au/about-us/community-resources

An AED is a portable electronic device that detects life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms and delivers an electrical shock if needed.

AEDs detect if the heart has a shockable rhythm. They only deliver a shock if required— an AED will not shock someone when a normal heartbeat is detected, or there is no heartbeat at all.

AEDs also give simple step-by-step instructions. This means anyone can use an AED, even if you’ve never seen or used one before.

CPR alone does not restore a normal heart rhythm. It does help keep the heart in a state where the AED has a greater chance of being able to do its job.

When both CPR is performed and an AED is used within the first 3 to 5 minutes of a cardiac arrest, survival rates can increase to 60-70%.

No, you cannot harm yourself or others by using an AED. An AED automatically analyses the heart’s rhythm and will only deliver a shock to someone if they require it.

No, AEDs are designed so that anyone can use them in an emergency. Just turn it on and follow the prompts.

When purchasing an AED, you might like to consider the following things:

• Warranty period.
• Lifetime of batteries and pads - how often will you have to replace them?
• Size and weight of the device - is it easy to pick up and carry?
• What features does the device have, and what are your needs (eg, languages, battery and pad expiration, child mode).
• What support and training are offered by the retailer/distributor?
• Does the distributor offer an after-sales monitoring or maintenance service to ensure your device is maintained and working at all times.