When the heart suddenly stops beating, every second counts. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician, Intensivist & ECMO Specialist, shares the story of a patient whose heart stopped, and who survived thanks to quick action, effective resuscitation and intensive care. Cases like this show what is possible when the right steps are taken at the right time.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood, usually due to a dangerous disturbance in its rhythm. The person collapses, becomes unresponsive, and stops breathing normally. Without immediate help, the brain and other organs begin to suffer damage within minutes.

Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack.

• A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. The person is usually conscious and may have chest pain, sweating or breathlessness.
• Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping altogether. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, but so can other causes such as severe breathing failure, very low oxygen, major blood loss, electrolyte imbalance, drowning or electric shock.

The Chain of Survival

Survival after cardiac arrest depends on a series of quick steps:

1. Recognising the emergency and calling for help immediately
2. Starting CPR at once, to keep blood flowing to the brain and heart
3. Early defibrillation with an AED or defibrillator, when the heart rhythm allows
4. Advanced resuscitation by the medical team
5. Intensive care after revival, to protect the brain and other organs and treat the cause

When any link is delayed, the chances of survival fall sharply.

How to Give CPR (Hands-Only CPR for Adults)

If someone collapses and is not responding and not breathing normally:

1. Call 108 (or ask someone else to call) and ask for an AED if one is available nearby.
2. Place the heel of your hand in the centre of the chest, with your other hand on top.
3. Push hard and fast: about 5–6 cm deep, at 100–120 compressions per minute.
4. Let the chest rise fully between compressions.
5. Don’t stop until medical help takes over, the person starts breathing normally, or an AED tells you to pause.
6. If an AED arrives, switch it on and follow its voice instructions.

Even if you are not trained, hands-only CPR is far better than doing nothing. Learning CPR through a certified course is one of the most valuable skills anyone can have.

The Role of Critical Care After Revival

Getting the heart to beat again is only the first step. After revival, patients often need ICU care to support breathing, blood pressure and other organs, protect the brain, and find and treat the cause of the arrest. In selected patients with severe heart or lung failure, advanced support such as ECMO may be used. Close monitoring by an experienced critical care team gives the patient the best chance of recovery.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com