Imagine this: You’re sitting at dinner with family, enjoying a casual conversation, when suddenly —someone gasps, clutches their chest, and slumps over. Your heart pounds. What do you do?
It’s easy to think, That won’t happen to me. That won’t happen to someone I love. But the truth is, cardiac arrest happens suddenly and most often at home. In fact, about 70% of cardiac emergencies happen in private residences, meaning the person who needs help could be your spouse, parent, sibling, or best friend.
The biggest mistake people make in these moments? Hesitation.
Every Second Counts in a Heart Emergency
When someone collapses or struggles to breathe, the first instinct is often denial.
• Maybe they just need to sit down...
• Maybe it’s just anxiety...
• Maybe they’ll be fine in a few minute...
But cardiac arrest doesn’t wait. Every second that passes without action reduces the person’s chance of survival. That’s why recognizing the signs—and taking immediate action—can be the difference between life and death.
Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Emergency
Knowing what to look for is half the battle. Here are the key signs that someone may be experiencing cardiac arrest or a heart attack:
💔 Sudden loss of responsiveness – They don’t wake up or respond when you call their name.
💔 No normal breathing – They may gasp for air or not breathe at all.
💔 Severe chest pain or discomfort – This can feel like pressure, squeezing, or pain, often spreading to the arms, neck, or jaw.
💔 Sudden dizziness, fainting, or confusion – Their brain isn’t getting enough oxygen.
💔 Denial from the person themselves – Many people will insist they’re “fine” even when
they’re not.
What to Do if It Happens to Someone You Love
If you recognize these signs, act immediately. Here’s what you need to do:
❤ Call 911 immediately. Get professional help on the way. Don’t wait—seconds matter.
❤ Start Hands-Only CPR. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest, about 100-120 compressions per minute (imagine the beat of Stayin’ Alive).
❤ Use an AED if available. Many public places, including malls, gyms, and workplaces, have automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These devices guide you through the process step by step and can restore a normal heartbeat if needed.
Why This Matters to Me
I’ve been teaching CPR since 2004, and at the end of every class, I tell my students the same thing:
"I hope you never have to use these skills—but if you do, I want you to feel confiden
enough to step in and take action."
Because I know how easy it is to freeze in the moment—to wait, to hope, to let someone else take over. But when you know CPR and trust your ability to act, you can save a life.
That’s why I teach CPR in a way that reinforces your belief in yourself. You don’t need to be a doctor. You don’t need years of training. You just need to be ready to step up when it matters most.
CPR Confidence Challenge
💡 If it’s been a while since you learned CPR, take a refresher class.
💡 Never taken one? Now is the perfect time to learn!
💡 Share this blog with a friend or family member—because the more people who know CPR, the more lives we can save.
Would You Know What to Do?
CPR is one of those skills you never want to use, but if the time comes, you’ll be so grateful you learned it. Would you feel confident stepping in if someone you love needed help? If not now is the time to prepare.
Stay strong, stay ready, and stay heart-smart. 💖
Want more heart health tips, movement motivation, and wellness strategies? Join me in Move Every Day with E—where we focus on real-life fitness, strength, and self-care
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