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What to do in the event of cardiac arrest

Someone in Switzerland has a cardiac arrest almost every hour. In this situation, an immediate response can save their life. Find out in this health tip what to do if you're on the scene.

It's so long since most people did a first aid course that they usually have only a vague recollection of what they learned. But in an emergency there's virtually no time to think: you have to act. The chances of surviving a cardiac arrest dwindle every minute without basic life support.

 

Symptoms

Cardiac arrest can occur very suddenly, often following a heart attack or cardiac arrhythmia. The warning signs are shortage of breath, a cold sweat, or serious chest pains, often spreading to the arms, upper abdomen, back or neck. The person affected will often fall over, or collapse if they're sitting. They're no longer responsive and they're not breathing normally.

 

How to respond correctly

  • The Swiss Resuscitation Council (SRC) recommends the following procedure if you're there in an emergency:
  • First check the scene of the incident. Are you, the helper, at risk of electric shock, poisoning or intoxication?
  • If the person is unconscious and not breathing properly, shout for help and call 144. Get, or send for, a defibrillator (AED).
  • Do 30 chest compressions (100-120 per minute) followed by two rescue breaths, or give compressions-only CPR.
  • When the AED arrives, follow the verbal AED instructions.

 

Automated external defibrillator (AED)

For a number of years now, AEDs have been freely accessible in public places in Switzerland, for example in pharmacies, medical practices, schools, shopping centres and office buildings. They're designed to be used without training or prior knowledge. As soon as you switch the AED on, it talks to you and gives you step-by-step instructions on what to do. The AED can bridge the gap before the emergency services arrive on the scene.

 

05.09.2018

In the event of further health-related questions, SWICA customers can contact the santé24 telemedicine service free of charge on +41 44 404 86 86. A telemedicine practice licence allows santé24 physicians to provide additional medical services in cases that are suited to a telemedicine approach. SWICA customers can also use the BENECURA medical app to carry out a digital SymptomCheck and receive recommendations about what to do next. During a subsequent phone call with santé24, customers can decide for themselves whether to release their information from SymptomCheck to santé24.