Definition of Witnessed Arrest

Witnessed Arrest

A witnessed arrest is a cardiac arrest that is directly seen or heard as it happens, whether by a bystander or by medical personnel. This is significant because the exact time of collapse is known, allowing CPR and defibrillation to begin with minimal delay.

Witnessed arrests carry better survival rates than unwitnessed ones, since the critical first minutes are not lost. When a collapse is witnessed and an AED is immediately available, rescuers can move quickly to rhythm analysis and defibrillation. The benefit of a witnessed arrest underscores the value of widespread CPR training and accessible AEDs in public spaces.

CPR Certification Labs provides hands-on, American Heart Association–aligned CPR, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification training to help providers master these life-saving skills.

Medical Definition & Meaning

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