Cardiac Arrest: Emergency Resuscitation & Post-Arrest Care
A clear guide to cardiac arrest and sudden collapse, a life-threatening emergency where the heart suddenly stops, and the urgent resuscitation that follows.
Treatment usually begins with
Immediate CPR
Defibrillation if Needed
Advanced Life Support
Post-Arrest Critical Care
Emergency treatment starts with immediate CPR and, if needed, defibrillation, followed by advanced life support and critical care to identify and treat the underlying cause.
You may need this evaluated if...
This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate action when someone:
- Suddenly collapses and is unresponsive
- Is not breathing normally or has stopped breathing
- Has no detectable pulse
- Requires immediate CPR while emergency help is reached
Immediate CPR and rapid emergency treatment substantially improve the chance of survival and recovery after cardiac arrest.
What is Cardiac Arrest & Sudden Collapse?
Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function causing collapse and loss of consciousness, a life-threatening emergency in which every minute of delay in CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival.
Every Minute Counts
Survival chances decrease rapidly with each minute CPR and defibrillation are delayed.
Bystander CPR Saves Lives
Immediate CPR by anyone present, before emergency teams arrive, significantly improves outcomes.
A Structured Emergency Response
Trained teams follow advanced life support protocols to give the best chance of restarting normal heart function.
Care Continues After Resuscitation
Post-arrest critical care identifies and treats the underlying cause to prevent recurrence.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden collapse
- Unresponsiveness
- Absence of normal breathing
- No detectable pulse
What Increases Your Risk
A combination of situational, environmental and health factors can increase the likelihood of this emergency.
How It Is Diagnosed
A rapid, structured assessment confirms the diagnosis and guides immediate treatment.
Immediate Clinical Assessment
Confirms unresponsiveness, absent breathing and pulse to begin resuscitation without delay.
Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring
Identifies the specific heart rhythm to guide defibrillation and medication.
Blood Testing
Assesses for contributing causes such as electrolyte imbalance.
Post-Resuscitation Imaging & Testing
Identifies the underlying cause once you are stabilised.
Treatment Approaches
Emergency Stabilization
- Immediate CPR and defibrillation as the emergency response
- Advanced life support medication as needed during resuscitation
- Critical care monitoring and organ support after resuscitation
- Treatment of the identified underlying cause
Advanced & Surgical Care
Procedures such as emergency coronary intervention are performed when a heart attack is identified as the underlying cause of the arrest.
Treatment decisions are made rapidly based on your vital signs, injury pattern and overall condition, not a single protocol.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs and reaching emergency care immediately can be lifesaving.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a consultation for a routine evaluation or follow-up concern.
- This condition has no non-emergency presentation; any collapse needs an immediate emergency response
Seek Urgent Care
Reach out for emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Sudden collapse with no breathing or pulse: begin CPR immediately and call for emergency help
Not Sure What You Need?
In an emergency, come directly to the nearest Mediversal emergency department. For follow-up care, speak to a Care Guide.
Talk to Care GuideIn an emergency, reach the nearest Mediversal emergency department immediately.
For non-emergency follow-up, share your concern or existing reports and we will help you choose the right hospital, doctor and appointment.
Emergency care when every minute matters.
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