In Slovenia, three to five people experience sudden cardiac arrest every day

Every day in Slovenia, three to five individuals experience sudden cardiac arrest, according to the University Clinical Centre Ljubljana. October 16 is World Restart a Heart Day, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of timely and correct action during such emergencies. In the course of the campaign "Slovenia Revives," multiple events and workshops will take place nationwide to educate the public. The Society for First Responders has highlighted that sudden cardiac arrest accounts for 8.5 percent of deaths outside hospitals. "Timely assistance from bystanders can significantly increase survival chances, which is why it's crucial to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and know how to respond," the group stated in a message. When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, they may collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing normally. "If a person shows these symptoms, immediate action is required," they emphasized. "Each minute counts during a cardiac arrest. Often, fear of making a mistake prevents people from acting, but the greater danger lies in doing nothing. It’s essential to recognize when someone needs help, call 112 as soon as possible, follow the dispatcher's instructions, and start resuscitation," said Dejan Rogelj, president of the society. Since sudden cardiac arrest can occur anywhere and anytime, it is vital that resuscitation knowledge is not limited to healthcare workers and first responders. The Red Cross of Slovenia encourages everyone to refresh their skills, offering interactive videos for this purpose. "First aid must be accessible to all and everywhere. Access to knowledge and assistance should not be restricted due to language, cultural environment, social status, or individual status. At the same time, we need to empower people traveling to have the knowledge and skills to help themselves, their loved ones, and others," the organization stated. In the context of World Restart a Heart Day, the University Clinical Centre Maribor will provide information and demonstrate practical ways to assist during a cardiac arrest in the courtyard of the Surgery Clinic starting at 9 AM. They will also showcase basic resuscitation procedures using automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Students from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Maribor have organized a Resuscitation Marathon on Leon Štuklj Square in Maribor. The main part of the event will involve a continuous 12-hour demonstration of basic resuscitation techniques. Simultaneously, a charitable activity will be held to purchase dolls for teaching resuscitation in primary schools. Students from the Maribor faculty will also be active on Saturday, providing free demonstrations of resuscitation at more than 20 locations across Slovenia. Exact dates and locations can be viewed here. General Hospital Jesenice will invite visitors to observe basic resuscitation procedures in the courtyard of Building B between 9 AM and noon. The Health Dispatcher Service has already organized Open Days throughout the week of resuscitation. Free access will also be available today between 9 AM and 4 PM, intended for those aged 14 and older. Prior registration is needed for viewing the Ljubljana dispatch center. Municipality of Kamnik will organize a full-day program related to resuscitation from 9 AM to 3 PM on Main Square in Kamnik. Workshops on resuscitation and demonstrations of AED usage, presentations of rescue vehicles and procedures, advice on healthy living, blood pressure and blood sugar measurements, and activities for children will be included. World Restart a Heart Day marks the end of the Resuscitation Week and the Month of First Aid.