Cardiac arrest is one of the most serious medical emergencies — the heart suddenly stops pumping blood, cutting oxygen supply to the brain and vital organs. Without rapid treatment, survival is unlikely. Performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) within minutes can double or even triple survival rates.
This article explains how to recognise the warning signs of cardiac arrest, step-by-step CPR instructions, how to use an AED safely, and why first aid training makes all the difference. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, co-worker, or passer-by, knowing what to do could save a life.
Be prepared to act — enrol today in a nationally recognised HLTAID009 CPR course with First Aid Pro.
Key Takeaways
- Cardiac arrest is a sudden emergency where the heart stops beating and every second counts.
- Call Triple Zero (000), start CPR, and use an AED immediately.
- Early defibrillation can increase survival dramatically.
- AEDs are safe, effective, and easy to use — don’t hesitate.
- First aid training equips you with vital life-saving skills.
Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A Life-Threatening Emergency
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops pumping blood effectively. The heart may cease beating altogether or beat so weakly that it can no longer supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs. This leads to a rapid loss of consciousness and abnormal or absent breathing.
The underlying cause is usually a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system, most often triggered by arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. This is different from a heart attack, which results from a blocked artery. In cardiac arrest, the problem is electrical, and the effect on heart function is immediate.
It is a medical emergency for three main reasons:
Loss of circulation: With no heartbeat, oxygen supply to the brain stops within moments.
Life-threatening consequences: Without CPR and defibrillation, death often follows within minutes.
Time-critical response: Every minute without treatment lowers survival chances significantly, while early intervention can double or triple recovery rates.
Warning signs may include chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, or shortness of breath, but often cardiac arrest occurs suddenly with no prior symptoms. Classic indicators are sudden collapse, unconsciousness, no breathing or abnormal breathing, and no detectable pulse.
The only effective response is immediate action — call Triple Zero (000), begin CPR, and use an AED if available. Without fast treatment, cardiac arrest is almost always fatal.
Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack – Know the Difference
Many people confuse these two conditions. Here’s a quick comparison:
Condition | Cause | Symptoms | First Aid Action |
Heart Attack | Blocked blood flow to heart muscle | Chest pain, sweating, conscious | Call 000, seek urgent medical help |
Cardiac Arrest | Electrical failure – heart stops | Sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing | Call 000, start CPR, use AED |
Causes & Risk Factors of Cardiac Arrest in Australia
Australia- Coronary artery disease
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Severe trauma or injury
- Drug overdose
- Unexplained cases in young people
- Previous heart disease or cardiac history
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity, high cholesterol)
- Family history of sudden cardiac arrest
- Warning signs such as fainting, chest pain, or palpitations
In Australia, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, and sudden cardiac arrest is often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking. However, it is not only older adults who are at risk. Cases in otherwise healthy young adults, particularly athletes with undiagnosed heart conditions, remind us that cardiac arrest can strike anyone. This unpredictability underscores the importance of widespread CPR and AED awareness across all age groups.
If you are unsure, begin CPR immediately. Acting quickly is always better than waiting.
Imagine this scenario: you’re at a gym and someone suddenly collapses during a workout. They are unresponsive, making occasional gasping sounds, and showing no signs of normal breathing. This is almost certainly a cardiac arrest, and your actions in the next few seconds
Case Study
During a Wiggles concert in January 2020, original yellow Wiggle Greg Page suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Fortunately, a fan in the audience acted immediately and used a nearby automated external defibrillator (AED). That fast response made all the difference, and Greg survived.
Watch the following video to hear Greg tell his amazing story in his own words …
Step-by-Step Response to Cardiac Arrest — DRSABCD (Australia)
DRSABCDDanger
Quickly check for hazards. Make the scene safe for you, the casualty, and bystanders.
Response
Check for movement, speech, or a reaction. If unresponsive, move to the next step.
Send for Help
Dial 000 for an ambulance. Put your phone on speaker and follow instructions.
Airway
Open and clear the airway. Tilt the head, lift the chin, remove visible obstructions.
Breathing
Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing (agonal gasps are not normal).
CPR
Not breathing normally? Start compressions in the centre of the chest: 100–120/min, ~5–6 cm depth.
Defibrillation (AED)
Apply an AED as soon as it’s available. Follow the voice prompts and continue CPR between analyses.
“When someone’s heart suddenly stops, bystanders are that person’s best chance of survival, even before paramedics arrive. Without bystanders who knew how to do CPR and had access to an AED, I wouldn’t be here.”
👉 Take the next step: Book a First Aid Pro Adelaide Provide First Aid or CPR training course and build confidence to act in an emergency.
How to Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Stacked LayoutAdult CPR
-
1
DRS ABCD checks
Danger, Response, Send for help, open Airway, check Breathing.
-
2
Start CPR if not breathing normally
Give 30 chest compressions using both hands on the lower half of the breastbone; compress the chest by one-third its depth (~5–6 cm), then give 2 breaths.
Watch for chest to rise & check airway if not. -
3
Maintain rate & ratio
Continue at 100–120/min, alternating 30:2 compressions and breaths until help arrives or the person recovers.
Child CPR (1 year to puberty)
-
1
DRS ABCD approach
Check Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, then proceed.
-
2
Hand position & depth
If the chest is small, use one hand for compressions; otherwise use both hands as per adult. Compress one-third chest depth.
-
3
Rate & ratio
Compress at 100–120/min, giving 30 compressions then 2 breaths (cover mouth, pinch nose, tilt head back slightly). Repeat until help arrives or the child recovers.
Infant CPR (under 1 year)
-
1
DRS ABCD with neutral airway
Maintain a neutral head position to avoid airway obstruction when checking Airway and Breathing.
-
2
Finger placement & depth
Use two fingers in the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line. Compress one-third chest depth at 100–120/min.
-
3
Ratio & breaths
Give 30 compressions then 2 gentle puffs (cover baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth). Continue until medical help arrives or the infant recovers.
How to Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
AED StepsSwitch the AED on
Open the case and press the ON button. Follow the voice prompts throughout.
Expose and prepare the chest
Cut/remove clothing. Dry moisture, shave only if hair prevents pad adhesion. Remove medication patches with a gloved hand.
Attach the pads as shown
Place pads in the antero-lateral positions (right upper chest, left side below armpit). Avoid placing pads directly over an implanted device bulge (pacemaker/ICD).
Stand clear for rhythm analysis
The AED will analyse the heart rhythm. No one should touch the patient during analysis.
Deliver shock if advised
If the AED says “Shock advised”, ensure everyone is clear and press the shock button when prompted.
Resume CPR immediately
After any shock (or if no shock advised), resume CPR at 100–120/min with a 30:2 ratio (or hands-only if untrained) until the next prompt.
Follow prompts until help arrives
Do not remove pads. Continue cycles of CPR and analysis until the person breathes normally or paramedics take over.
Special pad options
Use paediatric pads for children if available. If only adult pads are available, they may be used for children over 1 year (do not let pads touch).
Quick Notes (Australia)
- AEDs are safe — they will not deliver a shock unless it’s needed.
- If the person is wet, dry the chest quickly before pad placement.
- For infants, follow local guidelines; if pads risk touching, place one on the chest and one on the back (antero-posterior).
- Keep the AED powered on and pads attached until professionals arrive.
Where to Find AEDs in Australia
AEDs are increasingly available in public places. Look for the green heart with a lightning bolt symbol at:
- Shopping centres and gyms
- Schools and workplaces
- Airports, train stations, and stadiums
Why Early CPR and Defibrillation Saves Lives
Time-CriticalEstimated drop in survival for each minute without CPR/AED.
Using an AED within 3–5 minutes can lift survival to 70%+.
CPR keeps oxygenated blood moving until defibrillation restores rhythm.
Early Recognition
Spot sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, no normal breathing — call 000.
Early CPR
Start compressions immediately: centre of chest, 100–120/min, about one-third depth.
Early Defibrillation (AED)
Apply the AED ASAP and follow voice prompts. Continue CPR between analyses.
Advanced Care
Paramedics provide advanced life support and transport for ongoing treatment.
The Critical Need for CPR and First Aid Training
- Training ensures correct CPR depth, rate, and AED pad placement.
- Builds confidence in responding under pressure.
- Many Australian workplaces require first aid certification under WHS laws.
Certification also benefits families and communities. Parents, coaches, and teachers with CPR knowledge can act immediately if a child collapses during sport or play. Courses provide realistic, hands-on practice with manikins and defibrillators, ensuring you don’t just know the theory but can perform under real-world pressure. These skills are life-long and may one day help you save someone close to you.
Certification Renewal:
Don’t wait for a cardiac arrest emergency. Enrol in a nationally recognised First Aid Pro Adelaide training course today and learn CPR & AED use.
Knowledge Test Quiz
InteractiveQ1: What number should you call for emergencies in Australia?
Q2: How deep should adult chest compressions be?
Q3: How many compressions per minute should you aim for?
Q4: What does an AED do?
Q5: How often should you renew CPR certification?
References
- Australian Resuscitation Council. (2025). CPR and Defibrillation Guidelines.
- Heart Foundation Australia. (2025). What Is Cardiac Arrest?
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. (2025). Understanding Cardiac Arrest.
- Safe Work Australia. (2025). WHS First Aid Requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hurt someone by doing CPR incorrectly?
No — even imperfect CPR is better than none. Broken ribs can heal; brain damage from no oxygen cannot.
What if no AED is nearby?
Continue CPR without stopping until professional help arrives.
Should workplaces in Australia have AEDs?
Yes. Many industries now include AEDs in their WHS safety plans.
How does CPR differ for adults vs infants?
Adults: two hands, 5–6 cm depth – pinch nose & cover mouth for breaths.
Infants: One to two fingers, gentle compressions and gentle breaths -cover both nose and mouth.
Where can I train in CPR and first aid?
First Aid Pro Adelaide offers nationally recognised HLTAID009 CPR and HLTAID011 First Aid courses across Adelaide.
