How do I know if someone has suffered a cardiac arrest?
What Should I Do?
If the casualty doesn't respond (use the acronym DRS ABC)
Check:
Danger Approach with care
Response Is the casualty conscious? Gently shake their shoulders and ask loudly:
'Are you all right?'
If there is no response:
Shout for Help
Airway Open their airway by tilting their head back and lifting their chin.
Breathing Look, listen and feel for signs of normal breathing for up to 10 seconds.
If they are barely breathing, or taking infrequent, noisy, gasps, this is not normal breathing. If you have any doubt act as if it is not normal.
If they're breathing normally:
- Place the casualty in the recovery position.
- Then call 999 or 112 for an ambulance.
If they're not breathing normally:
- Ask someone to call 999 or 112 for an emergency ambulance. If you are alone, call 999.
- Turn the casualty onto their back.
C: Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
