Cardiac arrest: Liliane fights for life – resuscitation saves lives!

Cardiac arrest: Liliane fights for life – resuscitation saves lives!

On June 21, 2025, we will have it back in black and white: speed counts more than ever in cardiac emergencies. Cardiac arrest is a critical moment where every second counts. Liliane Kozik, who has been active in this area for six years, puts it in a nutshell: haste can save lives. Statistics show that in Germany only around 50% of people start resuscitation measures in the event of a cardiac arrest. This urgently needs to change, because after every minute without resuscitation the chances of survival decrease by 10% - after ten minutes they are zero. Liliane recognized this deficiency and launched the “Heart Safety in Schools” project to introduce resuscitation courses in schools across the board and raise awareness. Meanwhile, countries such as Denmark, with a share of 81%, are leading the way in resuscitation because the topic is taught in schools there. ZDF reports on their tireless efforts.

The medical side also plays a crucial role. Cardiologist Andreas Franke from the Siloah Clinic in Hanover is working intensively on making the treatment of heart attacks faster and more efficient. Thanks to the FITT-STEMI project, which includes all emergency services and clinics with cardiac catheterization laboratories, patients are brought to the catheterization laboratory about 40 minutes faster than ten years ago. The entire process is documented to identify and eliminate sources of error. These efforts are crucial because in Germany, too, it often takes too long to receive treatment - on average, 15 people are involved in saving a heart attack patient. Fast, precise measures are required here.

The importance of enlightenment

But not only quick measures are important, information about the actual chances of survival also plays a major role. Every year around 8,000 people in Switzerland suffer cardiac arrest, which leads to acute oxygen deficiencies in the organs. According to a study by the University of Basel, many people have a greatly exaggerated idea of ​​the success of resuscitation. In fact, the chances of survival outside of the hospital are just 10%, while around one in five people survive in the hospital. In addition, many of the survivors are unable to lead an independent life, as around 50% have cognitive impairments. Professor Sabina Hunziker is therefore calling for more information in the healthcare system in order to enable informed decisions and to relieve relatives in difficult times. [University of Basel](https://www.unibas.ch/de/Aktuell/News/Uni-Research/Wiederbelebung-nach-Herzstillstand-Die-Chancen- Werden-ueberschaetzt.html) underlines the necessity of such discussions.

Efforts to improve resuscitation measures and education are essential. Clear communication about patient preferences and the risks of resuscitation can not only save lives, but also relieve the burden on family members. In this sense, it is important that we all have a good knack for how we can act in critical situations.