National CPR Awareness Month: Why every second matters during a cardiac emergency
WVU Heart and Vascular Institute is encouraging communities to learn lifesaving CPR, feel confident using an AED, and better understand the advanced care available for patients with heart rhythm conditions
When a person collapses from cardiac arrest, the moments that follow can mean the difference between life and death.
In many cases, a family member, friend, coworker, or even a stranger becomes the first link in the chain of survival. Immediate CPR and quick access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) can help keep blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until emergency responders arrive.
During National CPR Awareness Month this June, the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute is encouraging communities across West Virginia to learn lifesaving CPR skills, feel confident using an AED, and better understand the advanced electrophysiology (EP) care available for patients living with heart rhythm conditions.
Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating effectively due to a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by blocked blood flow, cardiac arrest is an electrical emergency that causes the heart to suddenly stop pumping blood properly.
A person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest may:
- Collapse suddenly
- Become unresponsive
- Stop breathing normally
- Lose consciousness without warning
Without immediate action, survival chances decrease significantly with each passing minute.
That’s why bystander CPR and AED access are so important.
What To Do During a Cardiac Emergency
- Call 911 immediately.
- Begin hands-only CPR by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest.
- Use an AED as soon as possible.
- Continue CPR until EMS arrives.
- Many people hesitate because they are afraid of doing something incorrectly. However, taking action can save a life.
“A lot of people worry about doing something wrong,” David Schwartzman, M.D., division chief of Cardiac Electrophysiology and director of the WVU Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program, said. “But in a cardiac arrest emergency, doing something is far better than doing nothing. Even if you're not perfect, your actions may give that person their best chance of survival while waiting for EMS to arrive.”
Q&A: CPR, AEDs, and Heart Rhythm Care
Electrophysiology specialists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the heart’s electrical system, including irregular heart rhythms that may increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Dr. Schwartzman shares what everyone should know about responding to a cardiac emergency.
In a sudden cardiac arrest situation, what are the first steps a bystander should take before EMS arrives?
Dr. Schwartzman: First, check if the person is responsive and breathing normally. If they are unresponsive, call 911 immediately or ask someone nearby to do so. Then, begin hands-only CPR by placing your hands in the center of the person's chest and pushing hard and fast. If an AED is available, have someone retrieve it and follow the device's instructions. The most important thing is to act quickly. Early CPR can help keep blood flowing to vital organs until emergency medical professionals arrive.
Why is immediate CPR so critical in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest?
Dr. Schwartzman: When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively into the body. Without blood flow, the brain and other organs begin to suffer damage within minutes. CPR helps maintain circulation and deliver oxygen to critical organs until the heart can be restarted with a defibrillator or advanced medical treatment. The sooner CPR begins, the better the chances of survival and recovery.
What is your message to someone who feels unsure or afraid to step in and perform CPR during an emergency?
Dr. Schwartzman: Many people worry about doing something wrong, but in a cardiac arrest emergency, doing something is far better than doing nothing. You don't need to be a medical professional to save a life. Hands-only CPR is straightforward, and emergency dispatchers can often provide guidance over the phone. Even if you're not perfect, your actions may give that person their best chance of survival while waiting for EMS to arrive.
How does an AED actually support or guide someone during a cardiac emergency, even without medical training?
Dr. Schwartzman: AEDs are designed to be used by everyday people. Once the device is turned on, it provides clear voice prompts that guide users through each step. The AED analyzes the heart rhythm and will only deliver a shock if one is needed. You cannot accidentally shock someone who doesn't require it. These devices are remarkably safe, effective, and easy to use, which is why we encourage people to feel confident using them during an emergency.
How does the Electrophysiology team at WVU Heart and Vascular Institute help patients reduce risk and manage life-threatening heart rhythm conditions long term?
Dr. Schwartzman: Electrophysiology focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the heart's electrical system. Our team cares for patients with arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and other rhythm disorders that can increase the risk of serious cardiac events. We offer advanced treatments such as catheter ablation, pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and remote monitoring. Just as importantly, we work closely with patients over time to help them understand their condition, manage their risk, and maintain the best possible quality of life.
Advanced Electrophysiology Care Close to Home
The WVU Heart and Vascular Institute Electrophysiology program provides specialized care for patients living with heart rhythm disorders across West Virginia and the surrounding region.
EP specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the heart’s electrical system, including:
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Bradycardia
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Arrhythmias associated with heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest
Services available through the EP program include:
- Pacemaker implantation
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
- Catheter ablation procedures
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
- Advanced heart rhythm mapping and diagnostics
- Remote monitoring and long-term device management
For many patients, EP care provides more than treatment alone. It offers ongoing support, monitoring, and peace of mind for those living with complex heart rhythm conditions.
Learning CPR Can Help Save a Life
Cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere. Knowing how to recognize sudden cardiac arrest, begin CPR, and use an AED can help save valuable time before medical professionals arrive.
This National CPR Awareness Month, take time to learn the basics of CPR and AED use. You never know when someone may need your help.
Because when cardiac arrest strikes, the person who saves a life may be the one standing closest.