CPR & Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone — fast action saves lives.

Recognize and act

• If someone collapses and isn't breathing normally, act immediately.
• Call 911 (or have someone call) and get an AED if available.
• Begin CPR — push hard and fast in the center of the chest. (Hands-only CPR is taught for the untrained.)
• Use the AED as soon as it arrives — it gives voice prompts.

Every minute without CPR drops survival sharply — which is exactly why getting certified matters.

Going Deeper (Intermediate)

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen from electrocution, trauma, or medical causes. Survival drops ~10% per minute without CPR, so bystander action is everything. The chain: recognize → call 911 → start CPR → use an AED → advanced care.

Advanced / Pro-Level

Current guidelines you can act on:

• Hands-only CPR for untrained/adult collapse: push hard and fast in the center of the chest, 2–2.4 inches deep, 100–120 compressions/min, full recoil, minimize interruptions.
• AED: turn it on and follow the voice prompts; it won't shock a non-shockable rhythm, so it's safe — apply pads, clear the patient, shock if advised, resume compressions immediately.
• Electrocution arrest: ensure the source is de-energized before touching the victim, then CPR/AED.
• Trauma: control massive bleeding first if present.
• Push for on-site AEDs and CPR-trained crew — minutes matter and EMS may be far from a jobsite.

Practice Challenge

A coworker collapses and isn't breathing normally after contacting a live panel. What two things must happen before you touch him, and what's the compression rate? (Answer: confirm the source is de-energized (don't become a second victim) and call 911 / get the AED; then compress 100–120/min, ~2 inches deep.)

In Practice

Someone collapses and isn't breathing. Every minute without CPR drops survival sharply. Call 911, push hard and fast on the chest, and get the AED — action beats hesitation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Hesitating instead of starting CPR
• Not sending someone for the AED immediately
• Stopping compressions unnecessarily

Takeaway: If someone collapses and isn't breathing, call 911, start CPR (push hard and fast), and use an AED — and get CPR-certified.

⚠️ Awareness only — NOT a substitute for hands-on certification. Get certified in First Aid/CPR/AED through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, and call 911 in any real emergency.