When the heart stops, every second matters

Cardiac arrest can occur suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving those nearby with minimal time to act. In Malaysia, survival rates for this medical emergency range from a mere 0.5% to 8.5%. A key factor affecting outcomes is the lack of immediate access to life-saving equipment, such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Emergency physician Dr Wee Tong Ming emphasizes that "sudden cardiac arrest can happen anytime and anywhere," and that "every second matters" when the heart stops pumping blood effectively.

Time is of the essence, as the likelihood of survival decreases with each passing minute, particularly if CPR and defibrillation are delayed beyond eight to ten minutes. Bystanders often hesitate due to uncertainty about what to do or fear making the situation worse. This is where AEDs come into play - portable devices that assess the heart's rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary to restore a normal rhythm.

These machines guide users through the process with audio or visual instructions, increasing the chances of a successful intervention.

However, simply placing AEDs in public areas is not enough. Equally important is ensuring that people know how to use them correctly. Public training sessions can teach individuals how to recognize a possible cardiac emergency, perform basic life support, and operate an AED safely while waiting for an ambulance. The responsibility for emergency preparedness should extend beyond hospitals, reaching workplaces, schools, shopping centers, transport operators, and community spaces.

Ensuring that staff are knowledgeable about emergency response and the location of life-saving equipment can make a significant difference when a medical emergency occurs.

In conclusion, a medical emergency can strike at any time and in any place. When it does, a bystander who is prepared to act may be the critical link between collapse and professional medical care.