October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month – Would You Know What to Do?
Every October, New Zealand shines a spotlight on Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) — one of the nation’s leading causes of death. Around 2,000–3,000 Kiwis experience a cardiac arrest outside of hospital each year, yet survival rates remain low. The difference between life and death often comes down to how quickly someone nearby recognises the signs and takes action.
Recognising Sudden Cardiac Arrest
A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. The person will:
- Collapse suddenly
- Be unresponsive and not breathing normally
What to Do – Every Second Counts
- Call 111 immediately
- Start CPR – 30 compressions to 2 breaths, no matter who it is
- Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest
- Give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions
- Use an AED (defibrillator) as soon as possible
- Continue CPR until help arrives
Quick action can double or even triple survival rates — but confidence and training are key.
Be Prepared with Medic First Aid
At Medic First Aid, we’re passionate about building lifesaving confidence in workplaces and communities across Aotearoa. Our courses include:
- Workplace First Aid & CPR/AED Training
- Early Childcare First Aid
- Train the Trainer – run your own in-house first aid programme
Together, we can make New Zealand a nation of first responders.
👉 Learn more or book a course at www.medicfirstaid.co.nz