Just do something

Everyone can have a role to play during a cardiac arrest.

A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating normally and can not pump blood around the body. It may be sudden, or as a result of a progressive injury or illness. In cardiac arrest, the person is unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing / not breathing normally. Call 999 immediately (put your phone on speakerphone), and commence CPR.

July is Disability Pride Month. Not all disabilities are visible. Some are temporary or long term. However, I always encourage people who attend my courses to ‘just do something’. Managing a Cardiac Arrest can often be a team effort. Even when you may be alone, the Ambulance service will stay on the phone and support you until further help arrives The are many roles that be taken on during a cardiac arrest. These can include;

Ensuring scene safety

Checking if someone is responding and breathing

Calling 999 and telling them what is happening and your location. Asking where the nearest AED / Defibrillator is and going to get this - or asking someone else to get this for you

Doing chest compressions /start CPR

Doing mouth to mouth (if you are able and willing, as per Resuscitation Council UK guidance)

Using the AED /defibrillator

Sending someone to await the Ambulance Service to show them where to go

Reassuring any loved ones or other bystanders

Supporting bystanders to help or asking them to give space

Get trained

All my first aid courses include CPR as standard. Furthermore, I run specific CPR training sessions for a variety of roles, settings, clubs and community groups.

I am committed to making reasonable adjustments, where necessary, and will work with you so you are successful, removing barriers which could prevent you from undertaking various skill assessments, and meaning you can participate as much as possible.

Just do something.