Resuscitation and defibrillators: basics

In short: In cardiac arrest, immediate action determines life and death. Chest compressions and an automated external defibrillator (AED) can significantly increase the chance of survival.

In more detail: Every minute without resuscitation measures significantly lowers the chance of survival, making quick intervention crucial.

In detail

• Checking consciousness: Speaking to the person and gently shaking them shows whether they are conscious.
• Call for help first: Dial 112 or have someone else dial it immediately, before starting chest compressions.
• Chest compressions: Firm, fast pressing on the centre of the chest at about 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• Using an AED: Publicly accessible defibrillators guide you through the process by voice instruction, understandable even for laypeople.
• No fear of mistakes: An AED analyses on its own whether a shock is needed and only delivers one if it is.
• Continuous measures: Chest compressions should continue without interruption until professional help arrives.
• Knowing locations: Knowing where the nearest public defibrillator is can save crucial time in an emergency (erste-hilfe-grundlagen, unfall-richtig-verhalten).