Sudden Cardiac Arrest is among the biggest killers of young people in the UK, with 12 people under the age of 35 dying from SCA each week in our country (Cardiac Risk in the Young). With so many healthy young people losing their lives every year, it is only natural that a huge effort is taken to combat this as a nation.

Sadly, we can not yet effectively predict cardiac arrest in many cases, meaning that the best we can do is be prepared to take action when someone has suffered a cardiac arrest. This means having a defibrillator nearby and people who are confident in using one - for children and teenagers, they spend most of their young lives in school, so AEDs in schools just make sense.

When responding to an emergency, many things may go through the head of a bystander. The nature of a medical emergency means that immediate action is required, sometimes by an untrained layperson.

In this blog, we will break down some common myths around specific medical issues which may actually do more harm than good, as well as the action that should be taken instead.

When faced with a medical emergency, the moments following an incident are critical. Knowing how to act quickly and effectively can mean the difference between life and death. That’s where the Primary Survey—a systematic approach to assessing and treating casualties—comes in.

The Primary Survey ensures that the most vital issues are addressed first, helping bystanders provide immediate and effective care until professional help arrives. In this blog, we’ll break down the importance of the Primary Survey, explore each step of the DR ABC approach, and show why this method is essential for first responders and laypeople alike.

It is something that everyone hopes will never happen, but medical emergencies do happen - and responding confidently and quickly in these situations is vital for the best possible outcomes.

From allergic reactions and choking to heart attacks and cardiac arrest, certain emergencies require immediate intervention to prevent death. In this blog we will look at a few common medical emergencies and how to respond in the initial moments for the best chance of a good outcome.