CPR Without Panic: What to Do Before Emergency Services Arrive
In an emergency, every second counts. Just as collectors use coin grading to quickly determine the value of a coin, in an emergency it is important to instantly assess the condition of the injured person and make the right decision. Mistakes happen, but inaction can cost lives.
But while numismatists can rely on the advice of Coin ID Scanner - a useful app for identifying, appraising or even caring for collections, in a CPR emergency you don't have time to turn to resources and apps, so knowing and preparing ahead of time is the only thing that can help you and save another's life. The key is not to panic and to know a clear algorithm of action.
That is why today we are going to discuss the step-by-step process of first aid for cardiac arrest. You will learn how to properly assess the situation, what actions to take and what to do if there is no special equipment at hand. And maybe one day this knowledge will help you to save someone's life.
Immediate Action Saves Lives: What You Need to Know and Do
When a person faints, every second counts. The first few moments of response can be the difference between life and death, and the right action taken without delay can greatly increase the chances of survival. While waiting for emergency services, strangers can support the heart and provide oxygen to the brain. Below are actions to take to ensure the best possible outcome in a crisis situation.
Step 1: Ensure Safety Before Helping
Before rushing to help, it is important to assess your surroundings. An unsafe rescue attempt puts both the rescuer and the victim at greater risk. Electrical hazards, fire, gas leaks, or unstable structures can turn a medical emergency into an even bigger disaster. The rule is simple: check before you act.
Once the area is deemed safe, the next priority is to call for help. If bystanders are nearby, it is best to delegate tasks: one person can call emergency services, while another person can get a nearby defibrillator (if available) or start reanimation activity. Studies show that 80% of bystanders hesitate to act for fear of making a mistake, but even something as basic as calling for help or starting CPR can double survival rates.
Step 2: Check for Consciousness and Breathing
After making sure the scene is safe, check the person's reaction - this is the next step. Lightly shake the person by the shoulders and call loudly. If there is no response, immediately assess breathing by tilting the head back, listening for airflow and observing chest movement. If breathing is absent or irregular, it is time to act.
The most important rule of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is: if in doubt, start compressions. It is safer to perform CPR unnecessarily than to delay and lose precious minutes. The American Heart Association states that only 40% of cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from bystanders, which is often due to uncertainty about whether it is necessary. But in an emergency, assuming the worst and taking action is always the best choice.
Fact: The brain can survive only 5-6 minutes without oxygen before irreversible damage occurs. This means that every second counts, and delaying CPR reduces the chance of a full recovery. Thus, it is important to start chest compressions immediately to maintain oxygen circulation, which dramatically improves survival rates.
Step 3: Call Emergency Services
At this stage you know that the scene is safe and confirmed that the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, so calling emergency services is the next crucial action. This call activates professional medical assistance, ensuring an ambulance is on the way while you begin CPR.
When calling 911 (or your local emergency number), provide clear and concise information:
Your location - Be as specific as possible. If you are outdoors, mention landmarks or intersections.
What happened - State that a person is unconscious and not breathing (or breathing abnormally).
Your actions - Inform them if you have started CPR or if an AED is available.
One useful tip is to use the speakerphone function while making the call. This keeps your hands free to begin CPR while still being able to communicate with the dispatcher. In many countries, emergency operators are trained to guide callers through CPR, to get real-time instructions and finally improve survival odds.
Step 4: Begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
With emergency services on the way, starting chest compressions immediately is essential. When the heart stops, oxygen stops circulating, and within just a few minutes, brain cells begin to die. Performing CPR keeps blood moving to vital organs until medical professionals arrive.
Follow these steps for effective chest compressions:
Lay the person on a firm, flat surface - A hard surface, like the ground, provides the best support.
Position your hands in the center of the chest – Place the heel of one hand on the middle of the chest, just below the sternum, and place your other hand on top. Keep your elbows straight and use your upper body to apply force.
Push hard and fast – Compress the chest at least 2 inches (5-6 cm) deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. A simple way to maintain the correct rhythm is to follow the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees - this well-known track matches the optimal CPR pace.
If you are not trained or feel uncomfortable giving rescue breaths, hands-only CPR is still highly effective. Studies show that uninterrupted chest compressions alone can significantly increase survival rates, as they help maintain circulation.
Step 5: Use a Defibrillator (If Available)
If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is nearby, use it immediately. AEDs are life-saving devices that analyze heart rhythms and deliver an electric shock if needed. The best part is they are designed to be used by anyone, even without prior medical training.
Most AEDs come with clear voice instructions that guide the user step by step. First of all you need to turn on the device and follow the voice prompts. Then attach the electrode pads to the person's bare chest, following the diagram on the pads. At this stage the AED will analyze the heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed. If advised, stand clear and press the shock button.
In countries where AEDs are widely available in public spaces (such as Japan or Sweden) survival rates for cardiac arrests are three to four times higher than in areas with fewer devices. Every minute without defibrillation reduces survival rates by 7-10%, so using an AED as soon as possible can dramatically improve outcomes.
When to Stop CPR
Performing CPR requires physical endurance, and knowing when to stop is as important as knowing how to start. The main goal is to keep oxygenated blood circulating until the person regains consciousness or emergency personnel take over. If the person begins to breathe normally, they should be placed in the recovery position so that they do not suffocate. Once the paramedics arrive, they should have access to the person to continue assistance. However, if you are tired and can no longer effectively provide care - enlist the help of another bystander so that resuscitation can continue uninterrupted.
One of the most common mistakes is stopping CPR too quickly. In some cases, the person may gasp or breathe unevenly, which can be mistaken for resuscitation. This so-called agonal breathing is common in cardiac arrest and is not indicative of normal breathing. If this is the case, you should continue CPR until emergency personnel arrive and are satisfied that the victim's condition is stable.
Tip: If you are performing CPR alone and feel tired, try counting compressions out loud. Due to this you will be able to maintain a steady rhythm, but also attract attention, increasing the chances that someone will come to help.
Salvation Starts with You
Life can depend on the people who are there for you at a critical moment. We cannot predict when we will find ourselves in the role of a rescuer, but we can be ready for it. Knowing the algorithm of actions is not just a theory, but a skill that can save a life. So let this guide be a reminder: in an emergency, it is not panic, but your decisive actions that make the difference between life and death.