by James Porterfield, RN

Each year, more than 300,000 people in the U.S. die of sudden cardiac arrest. It can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time.

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. It’s the perfect time to learn more about what cardiac arrest is, what its signs are and how you can help when it happens.

Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. It is different from a heart attack, where blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, damaging the heart muscle. Cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction that disrupts the heart's pumping action.

Various factors can cause cardiac arrest, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), electrolyte imbalances, and drug overdoses.

Individuals more at risk for cardiac arrest include those over the age of 45; with a family history of heart problems; suffering from chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure; and who have had a previous heart attack or cardiac arrest. Severe stress or serious bodily injury can also increase the risk of having a cardiac arrest.

There are ways to lower the chances of a cardiac arrest from happening to you. Following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol use can prevent heart complications.

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency that can happen to anyone. Because 70% of cardiac arrests happen in the home, learning to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and knowing how to respond can empower you to save lives.

How can you tell if someone is in cardiac arrest? Look for these signs:

• They do not respond when you tap their shoulder or shout, "Are you okay?"
• They are not breathing, or they're only gasping for air

You can help save a life by giving CPR and using an automatic external defibrillator (AED). Here are some simple steps for performing CPR and using an AED:

1. Ensure scene safety. Check that there are no immediate dangers in the area before approaching.
2. Yell for help, have someone call 911 and get an AED.
3. Check for a pulse and breathing. Feel for a pulse using two fingers on either side of the front of the neck, just below the jawline. Look for chest movement. If there's no pulse or breathing, start CPR.
4. Kneel beside the person and start chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand on the breastbone in the middle of the chest. Put your other hand on top of the first. Position your body directly over your hands. Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, pressing hard and fast.
5. When the AED arrives, turn on the AED and follow its prompts.
6. Continue CPR.

The American Red Cross equips everyday people with the skills to provide lifesaving treatment. In 2023, more than 4.8 million people were enrolled in an American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED course. Joe Meyer is one of the many Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED instructors dedicated to teaching ordinary people extraordinary, lifesaving actions.

“Knowledge and recognition of cardiac arrest help everyday people act quickly when others need it the most,” he said. “The faster we can recognize cardiac arrest, the faster we can start acting.”

The Red Cross has been creating courses and training people in first aid for more than 100 years. We have a long history of empowering people to save lives, and we continue to address today’s urgent needs. Visit redcross.org for information and to register for a course. Put in your location and what type of course you’re seeking, and you’ll be directed to classes online or in your area.

The “Until Help Arrives” online course to educate and empower bystanders to take action and provide lifesaving care if they are the first on the scene during an emergency. The course covers the most pressing emergency needs someone is likely to be called upon to help with: Hands-Only CPR, how to use an AED, how to help someone who is choking, controlling severe bleeding (including using a tourniquet) and how to administer naloxone for an opioid overdose.

The Red Cross is proud to be a member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, advocating for evidence-based policies, delivery of effective CPR and immediate access to AEDs that will prevent fatal outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest among high school students.

People can also download the Red Cross First Aid app and activate our First Aid Skill on Alexa-enabled devices for instant access to tips for a variety of emergency situations that they may face. We even have an online Cat and Dog First Aid course and a Pet First Aid app.

About the American Red Cross: 
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.