During a cardiac emergency, what is a key role of bystanders?

In a cardiac emergency, bystanders play a crucial role in enhancing the chances of survival for the individual experiencing the emergency. One of their key responsibilities is to promptly call for emergency services. This action ensures that professional medical help is on the way, which is vital in such time-sensitive situations. Additionally, bystanders can provide initial care, including administering CPR or using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available. These immediate interventions can significantly impact the outcome and survival of the person experiencing the cardiac event.

While determining the cause of the emergency, starting advanced life support, and recording medical histories are important in the overall health care process, they are not the initial priorities for bystanders during a cardiac emergency. Immediate response and calling for help are far more critical in the first moments following the onset of a cardiac crisis.