Cardiac arrest is one of the most serious medical emergencies and it can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. When the heart suddenly stops beating, blood flow to the brain and vital organs also stops. Without immediate action, the chances of survival are almost zero.

Yet despite this, many people still hesitate to step in.

What happens during cardiac arrest?

When the heart stops, oxygen-rich blood can no longer circulate around the body. The brain is especially vulnerable and can begin to suffer irreversible damage after just 3–4 minutes without oxygen. With every minute that passes without CPR, the person’s chance of survival decreases by around 10%.

How CPR helps

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) acts as a manual pump for the heart. By pressing on the chest, you keep blood moving through the body and delivering small but vital amounts of oxygen to the brain and organs until professional help arrives.

This temporary circulation can:

• Slow brain damage

• Keep vital organs alive

• Significantly increase the chance of survival

Immediate CPR can double, and sometimes even triple, survival rates compared to no intervention at all.

At The First Aid Team, we teach real, practical first aid skills that empower people to act when it matters most. Our courses build confidence, remove fear, and give clear guidance on what to do in a cardiac emergency.