This page provides an overview of resources and tools developed by NHS England and other partners to improve cardiac arrest survival outcomes. It was designed to help all interested parties 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 major organs. 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 chances 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 worldwide “Chain of Survival”. This includes; better awareness and recognition of symptoms, increasing confidence in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), improving access to defibrillators in the community and supporting ambulance services to locate the nearest defibrillator for the general public to use use while en route.

CPR Training Options – Where to find accredited programs online or in person

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 in what to do if they witness a cardiac arrest. The course is free, lasts 15 minutes and can be accessed via smartphone or tablet.

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

UK Resuscitation Council: Lifesaving learningan interactive training tool designed to enable people to learn lifesaving CPR skills anytime, anywhere.

UK Resuscitation Council: CPR in secondary schoolsonline content promoting key CPR teacher training resources. Developed by Resuscitation Council UK in partnership with key organizations (British Heart Foundation, St Andrews First Aid, St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, East London Cardiovascular Prevention Group at Barts Health NHS Trust.

Ambulance St. John: St John Ambulance Resource Centre includes instructional videos, easy-to-read resources, and resources in other languages.

Ambulance St. John: How to give 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 organization. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime, often without warning. Having a defibrillator to hand can mean the difference between life and death, providing a vital chance to restore a normal heart rhythm before emergency services arrive.

Publicly accessible 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 fastest access to defibrillators, allowing bystanders to respond without delay. Locked cabinets require 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 application that uses data from The Circuit, the national network of defibrillators. By entering any UK postcode or address, you can instantly find your nearest 10 defibrillators.

Please find and RCUK guidance page on defibrillatorsincluding a consensus statement on automated external defibrillator (AED) cabinets..

Registering a defibrillator on the Circuit

The circuit is the national network of defibrillatorswhich provides ambulance services with information on the location of the nearest defibrillators. The circuit was developed by the 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 is essential to register it on The Circuit. This helps emergency responders direct bystanders to the nearest defibrillator when 999 is called. Registration is quick, takes less than 5 minutes and is free.

More ways you can help

The GoodSAM First Responder Program aims to save lives by using technology to connect trained responders to nearby emergencies. It harnesses the skills of community volunteers and professionals to provide immediate help before emergency services arrive.

St John Ambulance Volunteer Schemes – volunteering is a great way to meet new people, improve your CV and learn life-saving skills.