Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning.

Here are the signs:

  • Sudden loss of responsiveness (no response to tapping on shoulders).
    • No response to tapping on shoulders.
    • Does nothing when you ask if he’s OK.

If these signs of cardiac arrest are present:

  • Yell for help
    • Tell someone to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number and get an AED (if one is available).
    • If you are alone with an adult who has these signs of cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 and get an AED (if one is available).
  • Check breathing:
    • If the person isn’t breathing or is only gasping, give CPR.
  • Push hard and push fast
    • Use an AED as soon as it arrives by turning it on and following the prompt.
  • Keep pushing until the person starts to breathe or move or someone with more advanced training takes over.

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