What
is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial life-saving technique that can make the difference between life and death in emergencies. Whether it's a sudden cardiac arrest, drowning, or any other scenario where a person's heart has stopped beating, knowing how to perform CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of CPR, including its importance, the basic steps involved, and key considerations for effective administration.
Importance
of CPR:
CPR
is an essential skill that can be used in a variety of scenarios. According to
the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to
be the top cause of mortality in the United States, accounting for 928,741deaths in 2020. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of these patients
receive bystander CPR before professional help arrives. Immediate CPR can
double or even triple the chances of life, emphasizing the critical need for
universal education and practice of this method. Report published by DAWN News Pakistan that “According to the Cardiac Centre, Pakistan Institute of Medical
Sciences (PIMS), up to 47 persons die every hour in Pakistan due to cardiac
arrest”.
What
is the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest?
Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) is crucial in both situations but is particularly vital
during cardiac arrest. CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to
manually circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs, especially the brain,
until professional medical help arrives. In a heart attack, prompt medical
attention is necessary to address the blocked blood vessel and minimize heart
muscle damage. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of each condition is
essential for timely intervention, and if someone collapses and is
unresponsive, initiating CPR immediately can significantly improve the chances
of survival until emergency medical services can take over.
Basic
CPR Steps:
CPR
is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths designed to maintain
blood circulation and oxygenation in the body when the heart and breathing have
stopped. The goal is to keep vital organs, particularly the brain, perfused
with oxygenated blood until advanced medical help arrives.
1 Check
for Responsiveness:
Before
initiating CPR, ensure the safety of the surroundings and assess the victim's responsiveness
by tapping them and shouting, "Are you okay?" Tilt the victim's head
backward gently to open the airway, ensuring that there is no obstruction.
Look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing. If the victim is not breathing
or only gasping, start CPR.
2 Call
for Help:
If
the victim is unresponsive, call for emergency medical assistance immediately,
or better way give a shout-out to a nearby person and call an ambulance while
you giving CPR. In many countries, this is typically done by dialing the local
emergency number (e.g., 911) OR in Pakistan 1020 and 1122.
3 Start
Chest Compressions:
1 Place the heel
of one hand on the center of the chest (usually between the nipples) and the
other hand on top.
2 Use your body
weight to compress the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120
compressions per minute.
3 After 30
compressions, provide two rescue breaths. Ensure that the chest rises with each
breath.
4 When to stop? Repeat
the cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until professional help
arrives or the victim shows signs of life.
Key
Considerations:
Take
Safe Action: It
is important to rescue someone in a comparatively safe situation for example
someone lying between a road with fast traffic try to stop traffic first and
rescue is the wise decision
Quality
Over Speed:
Focus on delivering high-quality compressions. Ensure proper hand placement, and
an adequate depth of compression, and allow for full chest recoil.
Rotation
of Providers: CPR
can be physically demanding. If possible, switch providers every 2 minutes to
prevent fatigue and maintain effectiveness.
Use
of AED: If
an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, follow its prompts for
use. AEDs can analyze the victim's heart rhythm and deliver a shock if
necessary.
Video from Pixabay
Key
take away:
Being
proficient in CPR is not just for healthcare professionals; it is a skill that
everyone should possess. The ability to respond effectively in an emergency can
save lives. By understanding the basic steps of CPR and staying current with
training, individuals can contribute to creating a safer and more resilient
community. It is not just a technique; it's a powerful tool that empowers
individuals to be everyday heroes in times of crisis.
Disclaimer: The CPR
article is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy,
individual cases may vary. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized
guidance. The author and publisher are not liable for any consequences of the
use of this information. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional for
any medical concerns.
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