This Topic Minibite covers both basic (single rescuer with no equipment available) and advanced (primary healthcare professionals with appropriate training and equipment available) life support for adults who have had a sudden cardiac arrest (not due to trauma) outside the hospital environment.  It is based on the ‘Resuscitation guidelines 2005’, published by the Resuscitation Council (UK), and is intended to supplement appropriate training and practice in resuscitation skills, not to replace them.