What should be done in the case of a witnessed cardiac arrest?

In the case of a witnessed cardiac arrest, the immediate initiation of CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as it becomes available are crucial steps. Rapid action is essential because the heart has stopped pumping blood effectively, leading to potential brain damage and death if not addressed within a few minutes.

Starting CPR promptly helps to maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until professional medical assistance can take over. Additionally, an AED can restore a normal heart rhythm by delivering a shock when necessary, and its availability can significantly increase the chances of survival if used early. Each minute that passes without intervention decreases the chance of survival by about 10%, making immediate action vital.

Waiting for professionals to arrive or checking for a pulse can result in critical delays that reduce the chances of a successful outcome. Furthermore, contacting the victim's family does not provide immediate aid and can add unnecessary delays in the emergency response. Therefore, the best approach in the event of a witnessed cardiac arrest is to act quickly by performing CPR and using an AED as soon as it is accessible.