When someone suddenly collapses, every moment matters. Cardiac arrest causes the heart to stop beating abruptly, halting blood flow to vital organs like the brain. Without oxygen, permanent damage and death can occur in just minutes. But through proper CPR and defibrillation, lives can be saved. That’s why CPR and basic life support (BLS) certification is so critical. Nashville needs more residents equipped with these potentially lifesaving skills. Are you prepared to take action in an emergency? This guide will outline who needs training and where to find it so you can be ready when lives hang in the balance. The Race Against Time in Cardiac Arrest Over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals each year in the U.S. Without immediate CPR to restore blood flow, chances of survival drop around 10% for each passing minute. But CPR can double or triple the chance of revival by rapidly delivering oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. Defibrillation with an automated external