Sudden Cardiac Arrest During Exercise: What You Need to Know So You Don’t Become a Bystander

Physical activities such as pickleball, badminton, running, and cycling are becoming increasingly popular as people seek to improve their health and well-being. However, alongside these benefits, medical professionals continue to warn that high-intensity exercise can trigger serious cardiovascular events, particularly in individuals with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease, as well as those who are not accustomed to regular physical activity.

What is particularly concerning is that many of these incidents occur in public places—sports courts, parks, gyms, and recreational areas—where other people are present. Yet, not everyone knows how to respond appropriately during the first few critical minutes, which often determine whether the victim survives.

Understanding the Difference Between Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Stroke

These two medical emergencies are often confused, but they require very different responses.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

A victim experiencing sudden cardiac arrest will typically:

• Collapse suddenly
• Lose consciousness
• Stop breathing or exhibit abnormal gasping breaths
• Have no detectable pulse

In this situation, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) must be started immediately.

Stroke

A stroke victim will usually continue to breathe and have a pulse but may display symptoms such as:

• Facial drooping
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Slurred or impaired speech
• Loss of balance or coordination

For a suspected stroke, the priority is to transport the victim to a medical facility as quickly as possible. Do not perform chest compressions if the victim is still breathing and has a pulse.

Basic CPR Steps Everyone Should Know

1. Check Responsiveness

Call out loudly and gently tap or shake the victim’s shoulders.

Check whether the victim responds and whether they are breathing normally.

2. Call Emergency Services Immediately

Dial 115 (Vietnam Emergency Medical Services).

If other people are present, assign clear responsibilities:

• One person calls emergency services
• One person starts CPR
• One person locates an AED, if available

Do not wait for someone else to take action.

3. Perform Chest Compressions

• Place the heel of one hand in the center of the victim’s chest
• Place your other hand on top
• Keep your arms straight and use your body weight to compress the chest
• Compress approximately 5–6 cm deep for adults
• Maintain a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute
• Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions

Continue CPR until:

• Emergency medical personnel arrive
• The victim shows signs of recovery
• Another trained responder takes over
• You are physically unable to continue

4. Use an AED if Available

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is designed to be used by both trained responders and members of the public.

When an AED is available:

• Turn on the device
• Apply the electrode pads as instructed
• Follow the voice prompts provided by the AED

The device will automatically analyze the heart rhythm and guide you through each step.

Why the “Golden 3 Minutes” Matter

When the heart stops beating, blood flow to the brain ceases.

Within just a few minutes, brain cells begin to suffer irreversible damage due to oxygen deprivation.

Even when emergency medical services respond rapidly, it still takes time for them to reach the scene.

Proper CPR performed during the first few minutes can:

• Maintain a minimal supply of blood and oxygen to the brain and vital organs
• Extend the victim’s survival window
• Significantly improve the chances of recovery once advanced medical care is available

Importantly, CPR does not have to be perfect to be effective.

Starting CPR immediately is always better than doing nothing.

This Skill Is Not Just for High-Risk Industries

Many people believe first aid training is only necessary for personnel working in oil & gas, construction, or industrial environments.

In reality, sudden cardiac arrest can occur anywhere:

• Sports facilities
• Fitness centers
• Schools
• Offices
• Shopping malls
• Even at home

The ability to recognize an emergency and perform basic CPR can help save the life of a family member, colleague, friend, or even a stranger.

PVD Training – Empowering Individuals with Life-Saving First Aid Skills

At PVD Training, First Aid is one of our most frequently delivered training programs, designed not only for personnel working in industrial and oil & gas environments but also for anyone who wishes to develop the confidence and capability to respond effectively during emergencies in everyday life.

Through hands-on practice using professional training manikins and under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants gain not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical confidence needed to take action when it matters most.

Because during the first few minutes of an emergency, the person who determines the victim’s chance of survival is often not the ambulance crew.

It is the person standing closest to them.