What to Do in the First 60 Seconds of a Cardiac Emergency

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The first minute after someone collapses is the most important window you'll ever act in. Here's what a trained responder does, in order.

1. Check the scene, then check the person

Before you approach, make sure the area is safe. Then tap the person's shoulders and shout to see if they respond. No response, no normal breathing — treat it as cardiac arrest.

2. Call for help immediately

Call 911 (or have someone else call) before you do anything else. If a bystander is nearby, point directly at them and assign the task: "You, call 911 and find an AED."

"The few seconds it takes to get help on the way can matter more than anything you do next."

3. Start hands-only CPR

Push hard and fast in the center of the chest, about 100–120 compressions per minute. Don't stop until paramedics arrive or an AED is ready to analyze the heart rhythm.

4. Use an AED as soon as one arrives

Modern AEDs talk you through every step. Turn it on and follow the prompts — it will tell you if a shock is needed.

Hands-only CPR is a skill that fades without practice. Our in-person CPR and AED courses give you real repetitions on a manikin so the motion becomes automatic under pressure.