Most people do not freeze during a medical emergency because they do not care. They freeze because they are unsure.
If someone suddenly collapses in front of you, would you know what is happening? More importantly, would you know what to do next?
In Canada, confusion between cardiac arrest and heart attack is common. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. That confusion can delay action at the exact moment when seconds matter most.
Understanding the difference is not medical trivia. It is practical knowledge that can help you respond confidently and appropriately in an emergency.
Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack: What Is the Difference?
Although related, cardiac arrest and heart attack are two different medical emergencies.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. This is often caused by a clot in a coronary artery.
During a heart attack, the heart usually continues to beat. The person may be awake and conscious.
Common symptoms can include:
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Pain in the arm, neck, or jaw
A heart attack requires urgent medical care. Calling 9 1 1 immediately is critical. However, the person is not necessarily in cardiac arrest.
What Is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem in the heart. The heart suddenly stops beating effectively. Blood is no longer pumped to the brain and other vital organs.
When someone experiences cardiac arrest, they:
- Collapse suddenly
- Become unresponsive
- Are not breathing normally or not breathing at all
This is a life threatening emergency that requires immediate action.
A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, but not all heart attacks result in cardiac arrest. The key difference is that cardiac arrest stops the heart from pumping blood. Without intervention, it is fatal within minutes.
Why Immediate Action Matters in Cardiac Arrest
In cardiac arrest, there is no time to wait and see.
When the heart stops pumping effectively, oxygen rich blood no longer reaches the brain. Brain injury can begin within minutes without circulation. That is why immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly called CPR, and the use of an automated external defibrillator, known as an AED, are so important.
An AED is a portable device designed to analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock if needed. It will only deliver a shock if a shockable rhythm is detected. It cannot shock someone who does not require it.
Using an AED as quickly as possible, along with CPR, gives a person in cardiac arrest the best possible chance of survival until paramedics arrive.
What To Do If Someone Collapses
If someone collapses and you suspect cardiac arrest, take these steps immediately:
1. Call 9 1 1
Ensure emergency medical services are on the way. In Canada, dispatchers can provide instructions over the phone.
2. Start CPR
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin chest compressions. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest. Continue until help arrives or an AED is ready to use.
3. Get and Use an AED
Ask someone nearby to bring an AED if one is available. Turn it on and follow the voice prompts. The device will guide you step by step.
You do not need to be a doctor. You do not need to be one hundred percent certain. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, it is appropriate to act.
Waiting for absolute certainty can cost valuable time.
AEDs in Canada: Public Access and Workplace Safety
Across Canada, AEDs are increasingly available in workplaces, schools, community centres, and public buildings. Provincial and territorial regulations vary, but many organizations include AEDs as part of their broader health and safety planning.
For employers, having an AED on site can be part of a comprehensive workplace safety program. However, simply installing an AED is not enough. It should be properly maintained, accessible, and staff should know where it is located.
Routine checks according to the manufacturer’s instructions are essential to ensure the device is ready for use. Clear signage and integration into emergency response plans also improve response times.
For members of the public, understanding that AEDs are designed for use by ordinary people is empowering. These devices provide clear instructions and are built with safeguards to prevent inappropriate shocks.
Addressing the Fear of Doing It Wrong
One of the most common reasons people hesitate is fear of making a mistake.
Modern AEDs are designed to be safe and intuitive. They analyze the heart rhythm and determine whether a shock is advised. They do not rely on the user to make that decision.
Similarly, performing CPR, even if not perfect, is better than doing nothing in a cardiac arrest situation. The priority is to keep blood circulating until advanced care arrives.
In Canada, Good Samaritan laws in most provinces and territories are intended to protect individuals who provide emergency assistance in good faith. While laws vary by jurisdiction, they generally support bystanders who step in to help during an emergency.
If you are ever unsure, calling 9 1 1 immediately ensures you receive guidance from trained dispatchers.
Knowledge Reduces Hesitation
The most dangerous delay during cardiac arrest is hesitation.
Knowing that a heart attack is a blockage and cardiac arrest is an electrical failure helps you recognize when immediate CPR and an AED are required.
If someone collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally, do not wait. Call 9 1 1, start CPR, and use an AED as soon as possible.
You do not need to be certain. You need to act.
Understanding the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack, and knowing how to respond, can make all the difference in those critical first minutes.
If your workplace or organization is reviewing its emergency preparedness or considering adding an AED to your health and safety program, take the next step today. Review your current plan, ensure your equipment is maintained, and make sure your team knows how to respond. Being prepared is not just compliance. It is readiness when it matters most.
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