The Silent Killer: How Cardiac Arrest Almost Took a Teenager’s Life – And How CPR Saved Him
- Sergiu Cristian Pop
- Feb 15
- 3 min read
“I Wouldn’t Be Here Without CPR and a Defibrillator.”
At just 16 years old, Sam Mangoro collapsed during a PE lesson at school. Without warning, his heart had stopped.
His teachers immediately recognised the emergency and sprang into action. One started CPR, while another grabbed the school's defibrillator (AED)—a device that delivers an electric shock to restart the heart.
Four shocks later, Sam’s heart started beating again. By the time paramedics arrived, he was breathing. He later had an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted to manage his condition.
💙 Without fast CPR and access to a defibrillator, Sam wouldn’t have survived.
His story is a powerful reminder that cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. The question is: would you know what to do?
Understanding Cardiac Arrest: A Leading Cause of Death in the UK
Every year in the UK, over 30,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, the survival rate remains shockingly low:
Fewer than 1 in 10 people survive.
Nearly 80% of cardiac arrests happen at home—meaning it's often a loved one who needs immediate help.
Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces survival chances by 10%.
If a defibrillator is used within 3-5 minutes, survival rates increase to over 70%.
Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse a heart attack with cardiac arrest, but they are not the same.
✔️ Heart Attack: A blockage in the arteries restricts blood flow to the heart, but the heart still beats. The person is usually conscious and needs urgent medical attention.
❌ Cardiac arrest: The heart completely stops beating, cutting off oxygen to the brain and vital organs. Without immediate CPR and defibrillation, it is fatal.
Why Immediate Action Matters
Waiting for an ambulance isn’t enough. In the UK, average ambulance response times can be 8–12 minutes—but brain damage can begin within 4 minutes. This is why bystander CPR and defibrillator use are critical.
How CPR and Defibrillators Save Lives
Knowing how to respond in a cardiac emergency could make the difference between life and death. Here’s why:
✔️ CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) keeps blood flowing to the brain and organs, buying time until medical help arrives.
✔️ Defibrillators (AEDs) check the heart's rhythm and deliver a shock if needed to restore a normal heartbeat.
Countries with widespread CPR training and public defibrillators see significantly higher survival rates.
Yet, despite the clear benefits, only 1 in 10 people in the UK are trained in CPR.
Where Can You Find a Defibrillator?
Defibrillators (AEDs) are found in public spaces across the UK, including:
🏥 GP surgeries & hospitals
🏫 Schools & universities
🏢 Workplaces & offices
🏬 Shopping centres
🚆 Train stations & airports
🏟️ Gyms & sports clubs
💡 Top Tip: Next time you're out and about, check where the nearest AED is. Knowing its location could save someone’s life.
Final Thought: Could You Save a Life?
Sam Mangoro’s story shows why CPR and defibrillator awareness are crucial.
Take a moment to think:
❓ Do you know where your nearest defibrillator is?
❓ Would you feel confident enough to do CPR?
How We Can Reduce Cardiac Arrest Deaths in the UK
✔️ More people learning CPR
✔️ More workplaces and public areas installing defibrillators
✔️ Greater awareness of the signs of cardiac arrest
Every second counts. With more trained people, we can save more lives.
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