Would you know what to do?

Someone collapses at work, at a sporting event, or during a family gathering. Would you know what to do?

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, a reminder that recognizing an emergency and acting immediately can help save a life. At Respond and Rescue Safety Training, we help individuals and organizations across Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland build the skills to respond when seconds matter.

Why Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Matters

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating effectively. The person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally. It can happen without warning, leaving people nearby to provide help before emergency responders arrive.

The American Red Cross reports that more than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital in the United States each year. More than 70% of these emergencies happen at home—meaning the person who needs help could be someone you love. Immediate bystander CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

Learning CPR is valuable for parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, coworkers, and community members. You do not need to work in healthcare to make a difference.  

Sign up for one of our classes at our 3 locations to get certified and learn how to save a life.

Recognize the Emergency and Take Action

If a teen or adult suddenly collapses, make sure the scene is safe and check whether they respond. If they are unresponsive and are not breathing normally—or are only gasping—act immediately.

 

1. 1. Call 911. Use speakerphone and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. If others are present, direct someone to call and someone else to retrieve an AED.

1. 1. Start CPR. For a suddenly collapsed teen or adult, Hands-Only CPR means pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 compressions per minute.

1. 1. Use an AED as soon as it is available. Turn it on and follow its instructions. It will assess whether a shock is needed and guide your next steps.

1. 1. Continue helping. Follow the dispatcher and AED instructions until emergency responders take over or the person shows signs of life.

Gasping is not normal breathing. Recognizing that difference can help you avoid delaying CPR.

Make October Your Month to Prepare

Awareness becomes useful when it leads to action. This month, make time to:

 

• • Learn or refresh your CPR skills. Practice helps turn information into a response you can carry out.

• • Locate the nearest AED. Know where it is at work, at the gym, and in other places you visit regularly.

• • Review your workplace emergency plan. Assign responsibility for calling 911, retrieving equipment, and directing responders to the scene.

• • Check your organization’s AED readiness. Review accessibility, maintenance requirements, and pad and battery expiration dates.

• • Include your team. Plan training across shifts so preparedness extends beyond one employee or manager.

Learn CPR with Respond and Rescue

Respond, and Rescue Safety Training offers CPR/AED, First Aid, and Basic Life Support training, along with on-site group training for workplaces, schools, childcare programs, dental offices, and community organizations.

We also provide AED sales and management support to help organizations strengthen their emergency preparedness.

Whether you need your first class, a certification renewal, or team training, October is a good time to take the next step.

Be the person who knows how to respond.

View available classes and book your training.

For group training or AED support, email contact@respondandrescue.com.