Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Heart attack, drowning, electric shock, and other medical problems may cause a person’s heart to stop pumping blood. This is called sudden cardiac arrest.
Signs and Symptoms of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Unresponsive
- Not breathing normally
The nearest witness to the event should call Emory Police at 404-727-6111 or notify them of the problem. It is important to note that an automated external defibrillator (AED) may be used by any person, trained or untrained in its use, who in good faith renders emergency care to the victim according to Georgia’s Good Samaritan law.
If the person is not responsive and is not breathing normally:
- Initiate chest compressions as soon as possible
- Obtain the AED, turn on the device, and follow instructions provided by the device.
- Designate an individual to meet the responding EMS unit outside the building on the street in order to facilitate the most direct route to the patient.
- Continue chest compressions and use of the AED until assistance arrives.
- Follow the instructions of arriving EMS personnel and assist them per their directions.
2 Steps to Save a Life
In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, time is of the essence. Notifying emergency personnel (911 or Emory Police)/ obtaining an AED, and performing timely, high-quality chest compressions are two important steps that could potentially save a life. CEPAR delivers American Heart Association (AHA) CPR classes for the Emory community. Please visit the Training section of the CEPAR website for more information on how to schedule a CPR class.