Cardiac emergencies can strike suddenly and without warning. Whether it’s a heart attack or a cardiac arrest, knowing how to respond in these crucial moments can save a life.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on what to do during a cardiac emergency, emphasizing quick actions and the importance of reliable medical equipment to assist in these life-threatening situations.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
When faced with a potential cardiac emergency, the first step is to assess the situation. Check for signs of cardiac arrest, such as unresponsiveness and abnormal and/or no breathing.
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, this may indicate a cardiac arrest, which requires immediate action.
Step 2: Call for Help
Dial 911 immediately. This ensures that emergency services are on their way and can provide advanced care as quickly as possible. If you are in a healthcare setting, alert other medical professionals to the situation.
Step 3: Start Chest Compressions
Chest compressions are a critical first step in saving a life during a cardiac arrest. Place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest, just below the sternum.
Use your other hand to support it and begin compressing the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Be sure to allow full chest recoil after each compression.
Step 4: Administer Defibrillation (If Available)
If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is nearby, turn it on immediately and follow the instructions provided. The AED is programmed to analyze the person’s heart rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a shock to restore normal heart activity. Continue CPR until the AED is ready to administer a shock or until emergency personnel arrive.
Step 5: Continue CPR
If an AED is not available, continue CPR until help arrives. If you are trained in advanced techniques, you may also consider performing rescue breaths, especially in cases where the person is a child or an infant.
For untrained responders, hands-only CPR (chest compressions without breaths) is still highly effective in improving survival outcomes.
Step 6: Provide Post-Resuscitation Care
Once emergency responders arrive, they will take over the care and transport the individual to the hospital for further treatment. Follow any additional instructions given by medical professionals, and ensure you remain calm throughout the process.
How Michigan Instruments Helps in Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiac emergencies demand rapid and effective interventions, and the right tools can significantly impact the outcomes. Michigan Instruments has been a leader in life-saving technology since 1964, supporting healthcare professionals and first responders with reliable and easy-to-use solutions.
Our automated CPR devices are designed to deliver precise and consistent compressions, allowing medical teams to focus on what matters most — saving lives. Whether in the field or at the hospital, Michigan Instruments empowers those on the front lines to provide optimal care in critical moments.
With over 60 years of experience, we remain committed to improving patient outcomes and supporting the heroes who respond to cardiac emergencies.
Learn more about how our advanced automated CPR devices can make a difference for your team.
