Bystander

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In the context of cardiac arrest, a bystander is anyone who is present at the scene when a cardiac arrest occurs — whether or not they take action. A bystander may be a stranger in a public place, a colleague at work, or a family member at home. The term is used without judgement: many bystanders are overwhelmed or untrained, and any response — including calling 999 — is valuable. When a bystander does perform CPR or uses an AED, they significantly improve the survivor’s chances. For co-survivors who were present at the arrest, the bystander experience — including any role they played or felt unable to play — can be a significant part of their own psychological processing afterwards.

Agonal Breathing
Glossary: Bystander CPR
CPR performed by a member of the public before the ambulance arrives. Can double or triple survival chances from cardiac arrest. UK guidelines recommend hands-only CPR: 30 hard, fast chest compressions, repeated continuously.
CPR Training in the UK: How and Where to Learn
Find CPR training courses across the UK — from free online tools like BHF RevivR to hands-on courses with St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross. Plus community training organisations and advice for survivors.

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