Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

A cardiac arrest is a medical emergency caused by sudden cessation of the hearts function, meaning it can no longer pump blood round the body.

This can be fatal, and quickly can cause long-term damage to the brain.

60,000 people experience a cardiac arrest in the UK every year, and despite improvements in cardiac care within hospital, only 8% survive to hospital discharge.

Around 80% of out of hospital cardiac arrests occur within the home, and 20% in public places. 

Public knowledge and confidence in performing CPR is crucial to improve the likelihood of survival. 

Please see FAQs for more information.