What to do if someone collapses at work: A 9-step Cardiac Arrest response

When a cardiac arrest happens at work, there’s no time to look things up. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation lowers the chance of survival by about 10%. The response has to come from the people already in the room. Here’s what to do if someone collapses at work, step by step.

Step 1: make sure the scene is safe

Before you help, check for danger to yourself, the person and anyone nearby. Think of traffic, hazardous substances, or machinery that needs to be shut off first.

Step 2: check if the person responds

Gently shake their shoulders and ask loudly, “Are you okay?” Keep it short, so you can see right away whether they react. No response? Treat it as a possible cardiac arrest: you’ll need an AED.

Step 3: call 911

Call 911 right away, or have a bystander call so you can keep going. Say the person is unresponsive and ask for an ambulance. Put the phone on speaker, set it down next to you, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. That way your hands stay free.

Step 4: send someone for the AED

An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a portable device that can restore a normal heart rhythm with an electric shock. CPR alone usually can’t do that, so get one as fast as possible. Point at one specific person and say, “You, get the AED.” Clear instructions work best under stress.

Alone? If you know an AED is within about 30 seconds, get it yourself. If it’s farther away, stay with the person and start CPR.

Step 5: check for breathing

Lay the person on their back. Tilt the head back and lift the chin with two fingers. Then, for no more than 10 seconds:

• Look to see if the chest rises.
• Listen for breathing from the nose and mouth.
• Feel for breath on your cheek.

No normal breathing? Start CPR. Watch out for gasping: in the first minutes, a person in cardiac arrest may take slow, irregular gasps. That is not normal breathing.

Step 6: start CPR with 30 compressions and 2 breaths

CPR takes over the heart’s job. Chest compressions pump oxygen-rich blood through the body, and rescue breaths add oxygen. Always start with compressions.

Chest compressions

• Kneel at the person’s side, level with the upper arm.
• Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest and lock your other hand on top.
• Keep your arms straight, with your shoulders directly above your hands.
• Push down 2 to 2.4 inches, and let the chest rise fully after each push. Don’t lean on it.
• Give 30 compressions at 100 to 120 per minute. Counting out loud helps, or push to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.

Rescue breaths

• Tilt the head back and lift the chin again to open the airway.
• Pinch the nose closed and keep the mouth slightly open.
• Take a normal breath, seal your lips over theirs and blow steadily for about 1 second. The chest should rise.
• Give the second breath the same way. Try to give both within 10 seconds.

Keep repeating 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the AED arrives. CPR is tiring, so switch with someone else every 2 minutes if you can. Not able or willing to give breaths? Keep doing compressions only, at the same pace. Hands-only CPR is far better than doing nothing.

Step 7: prepare the chest with the first responder kit

The AED pads only work on bare, dry skin. As soon as the AED arrives, grab the first responder kit stored with it:

• Rip or cut the clothing open with the shears, so the chest is fully bare.
• Shave chest hair with the razor where the pads go. Hair stops the pads from making good contact.
• Wipe the chest dry if it’s wet or sweaty.
• Put on the gloves and use the CPR mask for rescue breaths, to protect yourself.

Keep this short: every second without compressions counts. If someone else is there, let them prepare the chest while you continue CPR.

Step 8: use the AED

• Turn it on. The AED then guides you with voice prompts.
• Attach the pads to the bare chest, exactly as shown on the pads, and press them on firmly.
• Don’t touch the person while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm.
• If a shock is advised, make sure everyone stands clear and press the shock button when prompted.
• Restart CPR right away: 30 compressions, 2 breaths. After 2 minutes, the AED analyzes again.
• If no shock is advised, keep following the AED’s instructions and continue CPR.

An AED will never shock someone who doesn’t need it.

Step 9: watch for signs of life

Keep going until the paramedics take over. Don’t stop just because the ambulance has arrived. Only stop earlier if the person clearly comes around: they move, open their eyes and breathe normally. Then check their breathing again, as in step 5. Breathing normally? Roll them into the recovery position and leave the AED pads on.

If it doesn’t work

Sometimes the heart can’t be restarted, even with fast CPR and an AED. That is not your failure: the cause is the cardiac arrest, not your response. CPR offers no guarantee, but it gives the person the best possible chance.

Make your workplace response plan work

A plan on paper only works if people know their role. Make sure your team knows:

• Where the AED is. In a visible cabinet, with clear signage, close enough to reach within a few minutes. 
• Who does what. One person calls 911, one gets the AED, one starts CPR.
• How to do it. Hands-on training builds the confidence to act fast. We offer onsite CPR & AED training for teams.

This October: a free responder bundle with your AED

From October 5 through October 20, every standalone AED purchase, new or recertified, includes a free first responder kit, an AED inspection tag, an AED decal and free shipping. Find the right AED for your workplace or call us at 855-888-2771.