How to Identify the Signs of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is one of the most critical medical emergencies. Without immediate intervention, brain damage can occur within a minute, and irreversible damage may develop after four minutes. Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest quickly is essential for timely response. Here are the key indicators to help identify cardiac arrest:

Key Criteria for Recognizing Cardiac Arrest

1. Loss of Consciousness

If a person suddenly collapses and does not respond when spoken to or gently shaken, it may indicate cardiac arrest. Responsiveness is a key factor—someone who is unresponsive could be experiencing a life-threatening event.

2. Absence of Normal Breathing or Agonal Gasps

Normal breathing stops during cardiac arrest. In some cases, the person may exhibit agonal breathing, which is characterized by gasping, labored, or irregular breaths. This is not effective breathing and should be considered a sign of cardiac arrest.

3. No Pulse in Major Arteries

In the early stages of cardiac arrest, a pulse may not be detectable in major arteries such as the carotid artery (in the neck) or the femoral artery (in the groin). If no pulse is felt within 10 seconds, it is a strong indicator of cardiac arrest.

Medical Confirmation and Common ECG Patterns

A cardiac arrest can be confirmed through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which may show patterns such as ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular flutter, asystole (heart stoppage), or pulseless electrical activity (PEA). These readings help medical professionals determine the exact nature of the event.

Immediate Response is Critical

For the average person, it's not necessary to confirm all clinical criteria. If someone collapses suddenly, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally or at all, it's crucial to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately and call for emergency medical help. Early CPR and defibrillation significantly increase the chances of survival.