This page provides an overview of resources and tools developed by NHS England and other partners with the aim to improve cardiac arrest survival outcomes. It has been designed to help all stakeholders find up-to-date resources, training and guidance. This includes healthcare professionals, employers, charities and community organisations.

A cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone is in cardiac arrest, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

What is a cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively to supply blood to the major organs. The lack of blood flow to the brain and other organs causes a person to collapse and lose consciousness, and basic life support (resuscitation) must be started immediately to improve the chance of survival and reduce brain damage.

How the NHS is working to improve survival rates from out of hospital cardiac arrest

Improving out of hospital cardiac arrest survival rates requires prompt action across the “Chain of Survival”. This includes; better awareness and recognition of symptoms, increasing the numbers of people who are confident to deliver cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), improving access to defibrillators in the community and supporting the ambulance services to locate the nearest defibrillator for the general public to use whilst they are en-route.

CPR training options – where to find accredited online or in-person programmes

CPR training is available in many areas including school, workplaces, clubs etc. but here are some links you may find useful.

British Heart Foundation: RevivR is a free online CPR training tool provided by the British Heart Foundation which aims to build people’s confidence on how to act if they witness a cardiac arrest. The course is free to use, takes 15 minutes, and can be accessed via a smart phone or tablet.

Resuscitation Council UK: Two-minute CPR training video and ‘CPQR’ code: The “CPQR code” directs people to a short 2-minute video on how to do CPR and is available in nine languages.

Resuscitation Council UK: Lifesaver learning, an interactive training tool designed to enable people to learn lifesaving CPR skills anytime, anywhere.

Resuscitation Council UK: CPR in secondary schools, online content that promotes key CPR teacher training resources. Developed by Resuscitation Council UK partnering with key organisations (British Heart Foundation, St Andrews First Aid, St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, the East London Cardiovascular Prevention group from Barts Health NHS Trust.

St John Ambulance: The St John Ambulance resource hub includes training videos, easy read resources and resources in other languages.

St John Ambulance: How to do CPR and use a defibrillator on a person with breasts – women are statistically less likely to receive bystander CPR than men. This resource provides guidance on how to respectfully resuscitate a person with breasts.

Advice and guidance for installing a defibrillator for your community, school or workplace

Installing a defibrillator is a proactive way to ensure the safety and well-being of your community or organisation. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, often without warning. Having a defibrillator on hand can mean the difference between life and death, offering a vital chance to restore a normal heart rhythm before emergency services arrive.

Public access defibrillators should be kept in unlocked cabinets so people can get to them quickly in an emergency. In the event of a cardiac arrest, every second is crucial. Unlocked cabinets provide the quickest access to defibrillators, allowing bystanders to respond without delay. Locked cabinets need extra steps, like getting a code, which can slow things down.

To find your nearest defibrillator visit: www.defibfinder.uk.

Defib Finder is a web-based app, that utilises data from The Circuit, the national defibrillator network. By entering any postcode or address in the UK, you can instantly find the 10 nearest defibrillators.

Please also find RCUK’s guidance page on defibrillators, including a consensus statement on automated external defibrillator (AED) cabinets.

Registering a defibrillator on The Circuit

The Circuit is the national defibrillator network, which provides ambulance services with information on the location of the nearest defibrillators. The Circuit has been developed by British Heart Foundation (BHF) in partnership with the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance and NHS England.

If you manage a defibrillator in your community, workplace, or school, it’s essential to register it on The Circuit. This helps emergency call handlers direct bystanders to the nearest defibrillator when 999 is called. Registering is quick, taking less than 5 minutes, and it’s free.

More ways you can help

The GoodSAM first responder programme aims to save lives by utilising technology to connect trained responders to nearby emergencies. It harnesses the skills of community volunteers and professionals to offer immediate help before emergency services arrive.

St John Ambulance volunteering schemes – volunteering is a great way to meet new people, enhance your CV and learn lifesaving skills.