Cardiac arrest is one of the most common causes of death in Sweden and means that the heart stops beating. About 27 people suffer a cardiac arrest – hjärtstopp every day. Only one survives.

This means that about 10 000 people a year suffers from cardiac arrest in Sweden and only 500 survive. But there are several things you can do in order to help someone suffering from cardiac arrest.

1. dial 112
2. perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
3. locate your nearest defibrillator.

Take a minute to read this text – doing so might save a life in danger.

What is a cardiac arrest – hjärtstopp?

Sudden cardiac arrest means (simply put) that the heart stops beating. A cardiac arrest can occur for many reasons, yet a heart attack is the most common. A person who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest collapses and will rapidly lose consciousness. This condition will lead to death if the person doesn’t receive immediate treatment.

It is a race against time

The mortality in cardiac arrest increases by 10% per minute. Time is a crucial factor and it is vitally important to take action immediately.

What you should do:

1. dial 112
2. perform CPR
3. locate your nearest defibrillator

The first thing you should do, if you suspect a cardiac arrest, is to dial 112. The emergency operator will ask you these questions and send an ambulance. The emergency operator will also give you instructions on how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Properly performed CPR is vital but rarely enough to save someone’s life. A stagnant heart needs to be restarted and this requires a defibrillator – hjärtstartare.

Find your nearest defibrillator – hjärtstartare

Defibrillators – hjärtstartare, are spread all over the country and you find them at kiosks, stores, libraries, and restaurants or even in private households. The website Hjärtstartarregister has a service where you can find your nearest defibrillator. Just enter the address you are at and you will get the location of your nearest defibrillator.

Hjärtstartarregister

What is a defibrillator – hjärtstartare?

A defibrillator –hjärtstartare is a machine that detects cardiac activity and if necessary delivers a power surge to restart the heart.

How does a defibrillator – hjärtstartare work?

Defibrillators – hjärtstartare are easy to use. Anyone, regardless of age, education or previous experience can use a defibrillator. It is practically impossible to use a defibrillator incorrectly. The defibrillator will protest (by not sending electricity) if the person you are using the defibrillator on, is not suffering from cardiac arrest.

The defibrillator gives clear voice instructions in Swedish, but the emergency operator can give you the same instructions in English. Find your nearest here.

Find your nearest defibrillator here

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Further reading

• Work in Sweden guides
• Learn Swedish

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