Debunking common cardiac arrest myths is crucial because misconceptions about CPR, AEDs, and heart attacks often delay lifesaving intervention and reduce survival rates during sudden medical emergencies.

Debunking common cardiac arrest myths is crucial because misconceptions about CPR, AEDs, and heart attacks often delay lifesaving intervention and reduce survival rates during sudden medical emergencies.

Debunking common cardiac arrest myths is crucial because misconceptions about CPR, AEDs, and heart attacks often delay lifesaving intervention and reduce survival rates during sudden medical emergencies.

Veteran Tamil music composer Devanesan Chokkalingam, popularly known as Deva, passed away in Chennai on Saturday at the age of 75. Fondly known as ‘Thenisai Thendral’ among fans, he was a giant of South Indian cinema music.

According to family and hospital sources, Deva suffered a heart attack. Following the sudden cardiac event, he was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai, where medical staff made efforts to revive him but failed.

In his nearly four-decade career, Deva composed music for over 400 films, which include runaway hits such as Rajinikanth-starrers 'Annamalai' (1992) and 'Baasha' (1995), both directed by Suresh Krissna, besides Kamal Haasan's Pammal K. Sambandam (2002) and Panchathanthiram.

Five cardiac arrest myths that could cost a life

Certain misconceptions about CPR and the steps to follow in such an event can actually delay lifesaving action. When a person collapses from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), every second counts—brain tissue begins to die within 3 to 4 minutes without blood flow. Unfortunately, widespread misconceptions often cause witnesses to hesitate or refrain from acting altogether.

Myth 1: Cardiac arrest and a heart attack are the same thing

While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, they are distinct medical emergencies. A heart attack is when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. The person is typically conscious, breathing, and experiencing chest pain or tightness. A cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly malfunctions and stops pumping blood. The person will instantly collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing normally.

Myth 2: You require formal certification or mouth-to-mouth training to help

You do not need to be a certified paramedic or doctor to save a life. Modern medical guidelines prioritise hands-only CPR for adult bystanders.

If you see someone collapse and become unresponsive, call emergency services immediately and begin pushing hard and fast in the centre of their chest. Continuous chest compressions keep oxygenated blood moving to the brain and heart until help arrives.

Myth 3: Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can accidentally kill someone

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) found in public spaces (airports, offices, malls) are designed for use by complete novices.

Once turned on, the AED provides clear step-by-step voice and visual instructions. The device automatically analyses the victim's heart rhythm and will only deliver a shock if the person is in a shockable cardiac arrest rhythm. It is impossible to accidentally shock someone who does not require it.

Myth 4: You should wait for paramedics to arrive before taking action

Survival rates drop by 7% to 10% for every single minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation.

Even in cities with fast emergency response systems, an ambulance can take 8 to 12 minutes to arrive. By that time, brain damage is likely permanent or fatal. Immediate bystander intervention—even imperfect CPR—doubles or triples a person’s chance of survival.

Myth 5: Performing CPR might cause harm

Chest compressions require pushing down about 2 inches deep, which can sometimes crack cartilage or ribs in older adults. However, medical professionals always emphasise: a broken rib heals, but brain death is irreversible.

Many individuals fear being sued if something goes wrong. Most jurisdictions around the world have Good Samaritan laws specifically structured to protect bystanders who offer voluntary, good-faith emergency assistance from legal liability.

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