What would you do if a stranger collasped in front of you on the street? Do you know the signs of cardiac arrest? Do you know how to check a pulse? And more importantly - do you know how to do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)?

Even if you know how to do CPR, are you brave enough to step up and help save someone's life?

Well, research shows that the first 10 minutes is the most important during cardiac arrest and can even increase the victim's chances of survival.

The 10-Minute Window. It's Everything.

When someone goes into cardiac arrest, their heart suddenly stops pumping blood, and every second counts. Without quick action, the brain starts to lose oxygen, and the chances of survival drop fast. That’s why immediate CPR can be the difference between life and death.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest is a public health crisis. At least 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen every year in the U.S., which ia an average of 1,000 people per day. (1)

So, let’s break down why those first few minutes matter so much, and what really happens when CPR is started right away.

What Happens During Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest isn’t just a dramatic scene in a hospital drama - it’s a real, life-threatening emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating like it should be, and blood flow stops. That means the brain, lungs, and other vital organs aren’t getting the oxygen they need to survive.

Within seconds, the victim collapses. They’ll stop breathing normally and lose consciousness. And if nothing is done? Brain damage can begin in as soon as 4 to 6 minutes. By 10 minutes, the chances of survival drop significantly.

It’s different from a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the blood vessels. Cardiac arrest is a sudden and severe electrical malfunction that throws off the heart’s rhythm. The only way a bystander can help keep oxygen moving through the body is by doing CPR.

What Does CPR Do?

You might be wondering - if the heart has stopped, how can chest compressions really help? The answer is simple, but powerful.

When you perform CPR, you’re pumping the heart manually by pressing down hard and fast on the chest to keep blood flowing through the body. It doesn’t restart the heart like a defibrillator can, but it does keep blood moving to the brain and other organs. And in a moment where every second matters, that blood flow is what buys time.

Studies have shown that CPR started within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival. (2) It helps protect the brain, preserve organ function, and improve the odds of a full recovery after professional help arrives.

It might be a scary thought having a person's chance of survival in your hands, but what if it were you? Wouldn't you want a bystander to step in and help?

How to Do Hands-Only CPR

You don’t need to be a medical professional to perform CPR. You just need to know the basics and be ready to act.

If you see someone suddenly collapse and they’re not breathing or only gasping, call 911 immediately, then start hands-only CPR:

1 Place both hands on the center of the person’s chest.

2 Push hard and fast, at a rate of about 100–120 compressions per minute (think: the beat of Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees).

3 Don’t stop until help arrives or someone with advanced training takes over.

You don’t need to do rescue breaths, just focus on strong, consistent compressions.

Of course, the best way to truly feel confident in an emergency is to take a CPR class. In-person or online courses can walk you through the steps, let you practice, and even cover how to use an AED. It’s a few hours of your time that could save someone else’s life.

Save Someone's Life Today

One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to jump in during an emergency is fear. Fear of doing CPR wrong, or worse, getting in trouble for trying to help. But here’s the good news: Good Samaritan Laws are in place to protect you.

These laws exist in most places to protect people who offer help in an emergency. So if you step in and try to save someone’s life, you’re legally protected, even if the outcome isn’t perfect.

In other words, you won’t get punished for trying to help. You’re not expected to be flawless, you’re just expected to care enough to try.

So don’t second-guess yourself. Call 911. Start compressions. Be the person who shows up when it counts.

Sources:

(1) Newman, M. M. "Latest statistics." Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, https://www.sca-aware.org/about-sudden-cardiac-arrest/latest-statistics. Accessed April 24, 2025.

(2) O'Keefe, Evan, et al. "At what time point is delay to first bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation not associated with survival for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?," Circulation, vol. 150, suppl. 1, Abstract Or104, Nov. 11, 2024. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circ.150.suppl_1.Or104