
posted 14th September 2023
What is a cardiac arrest?
A cardiac arrest usually happens without warning. If someone is in cardiac arrest they collapse suddenly and will be unresponsive. They won't be breathing normally and immediate action must be taken by calling 999 and starting CPR. According to the British Heart Foundation, a cardiac arrest is when your heart stops pumping blood around the body. The common cause of cardiac arrest is an "abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation" which happens "when the electrical activity of the heart becomes so chaotic that the heart stops pumping. Instead, it quivers or 'fibrillates". The main causes include a heart attack, heart valve disease and inflammation of the heart muscle, also known as acute myocarditis.
The RevivR tool can give you the skills you need to save a life
The RevivR training tool has been created to improve the nation's CPR and defibrillation skills. The training is easy, free and quick - you'll just need a mobile phone and a cushion. In 15 minutes, the training tool teaches the user how to recognise a cardiac arrest, what to expect when calling 999, how to perform CPR and how to use a defibrillator.
Your phone camera will provide live feedback as you practice chest compressions. It will detect your body movement and guide you to the correct rhythm for giving effective CPR. You will also practice how to use a defibrillator following automated prompts. Whether you haven't had CPR training or just want to refresh your knowledge and skills, RevivR can give you the confidence to step in and save a life in an ultimate medical emergency.
CPR can double the chance of survival
Anyone can gain life-saving skills through the RevivR tool. All you need is 15 minutes and a firm cushion. A cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any time. By learning these skills you can help improve someone's chance of survival. CPR involves pressing on the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute to help keep the person alive until a defibrillator can be used.