CPR: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Cardiac arrest is always an emergency.

   Call emergency services immediately if someone becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally or is only gasping.

   Begin CPR and use an AED if available.

   After surviving cardiac arrest, seek emergency help for another collapse, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, new weakness, or chest pressure that may represent a new heart problem.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your healthcare team promptly for worsening chest-wall pain, fever, increasing shortness of breath, wound or device concerns, repeated palpitations, or problems taking prescribed medicines.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate for ongoing tiredness, sleep problems, memory changes, anxiety, low mood, questions about activity, or planning a return to driving and work.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on CPR. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.