Learn how to save a life this Winter

What is a cardiac arrest? 

A cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency when the heart stops beating and stops pumping blood around the body. Ther person will be unconscious and not breathing, or not breathing normally, noticeably a ‘gasping’ reflex caused by the brain not receiving enough oxygen. This is known as ‘agonal’ breathing. 

There are different reasons why this can happen, including a heart attack where the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle become blocked. This can result in abnormal electrical activity in the heart. With a patient suffering this type of cardiac arrest, a defibrillator can shock the heart back into a normal rhythm.  

A cardiac arrest is different to a heart attack. 

A quarter of the people attended by East Anglian Air Ambulance have suffered a life-threatening out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In 2023-24, that equated to 538 people in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk who needed enhanced treatment and care from EAAA doctors and critical care paramedics. 

Cardiac arrests in Winter 

The colder weather can have an impact on heart health, particularly for those who have pre-existing health conditions. While there isn’t extensive research on this topic, our own statistics from EAAA’s Research, Audit, Innovation and Development (RAID) group show that the number of people attended by EAAA, who have suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, tends to increase during Winter.  

In January 2024, EAAA attended 55 people in cardiac arrest, compared to 36 in July 2024. The previous year saw a similar trend, with 57 people attended in January, compared to 40 in July 2023. 

Our hearts work harder during the colder winter weather to keep us warm. Blood vessels narrow, and our heart responds by circulating more blood around our bodies to warm us up and keep our vital organs working effectively. This is a normal response to cold weather, but pumping more blood around our bodies means blood pressure can increase. For people with a pre-existing heart condition, this could increase the risk of a heart attack which, in some cases, can lead to a cardiac arrest.  

How you can help 

You can start the chain of survival by calling 999 and then commencing CPR and using a defibrillator as soon as possible, before the arrival of the emergency services.  

EAAA’s Community CPR Training Manager, Josh Lawrence, says, “Being able to recognise someone is in cardiac arrest and calling 999 for an ambulance is the first step to helping them. Bystanders, who are often loved ones, can do even more to help by performing early CPR and using a defibrillator (AED) to start the chain of survival as soon as possible.” 

“EAAA provides free one-hour CPR and AED training sessions to equip people with the skills, knowledge and confidence so, ultimately, there are more life-savers in our communities.” 

Be prepared. Watch our short video about CPR and book your FREE CPR training session.