Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - A Life-Saving Skill Every Person Should Know

 Title: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

- A Life-Saving Skill Every Person Should Know

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is a crucial life-saving technique that can significantly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. In emergencies where every second counts, being equipped with the knowledge of CPR can be the difference between life and death. This blog post aims to shed light on the importance of CPR, its key steps, and provide a handy checklist for anyone who wishes to learn or refresh their CPR skills.

Why CPR Matters?

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. When the heart suddenly stops beating, blood flow to vital organs, including the brain, ceases, leading to loss of consciousness and, eventually, death. The immediate application of CPR can help maintain blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain and other organs until professional medical help arrives. Performing CPR within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest can double or even triple the chances of survival.

The CPR Checklist

Before we dive into the checklist, it's essential to remember that if you witness someone collapsing and suspect a cardiac arrest, the first thing to do is call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Every second is critical, and the quicker professional help arrives, the better the chances of survival. Once help is on the way, follow these steps to perform CPR:

1. 1. Assess the Scene: Ensure that the area is safe for both you and the victim. Look for any potential hazards or dangers and remove them if possible. If the environment is unsafe, do not put yourself at risk; wait for medical professionals to arrive.
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3. 2. Check for Responsiveness: Gently tap the victim and shout loudly, "Are you okay?" If there is no response, the person is unconscious and needs immediate medical attention.
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5. 3.Call for Help: If you haven't done so already, call for emergency medical assistance (call your local emergency number) and provide them with all the necessary details, including the victim's condition and location.

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7. 4.Open the Airway: Gently tilt the victim's head backward while lifting the chin upward to open their airway. This helps ensure that the air passage is clear for breathing.

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9. 5.Check for Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If the victim is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR.

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11. 6.Perform Chest Compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the victim's chest, just below the nipple line. Place the other hand on top, interlocking your fingers. Position yourself with your shoulders directly above your hands and elbows straight. Use your body weight to push down hard and fast at least 2 inches into the chest, allowing the chest to recoil completely after each compression. Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.

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13. 7.Provide Rescue Breaths: After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths. Pinch the victim's nose shut and cover their mouth with yours, making a complete seal. Give a breath that makes the chest rise visibly. Each rescue breath should last about 1 second.

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15. 8.Continue CPR: Alternate between 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until the person starts breathing on their own, professional help arrives to take over, or you are too exhausted to continue.
    

    High-quality chest compressions:

16. Positioning: Place the person on a firm, flat surface, such as the ground or a hard floor. Ensure there are no obstacles under their back. Kneel beside the person's chest.

17. Hand Placement: Put the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest, just below the nipple line. Place the other hand on top of the first hand, interlocking fingers. Keep your fingers off the chest, and use your body weight to help compress the chest adequately.

18. Compression Depth: Compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) deep for adults and children (except infants). The depth is crucial to generate enough blood flow to the heart and brain.

19. 1. Compression Rate: Aim for a compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This corresponds to about 2 compressions per second.

    2. Allow for Full Recoil: After each compression, allow the chest to fully recoil without lifting your hands off the chest. Allowing complete recoil helps create negative pressure in the chest, which aids blood flow back to the heart.

    3. Minimize Interruptions: Try to minimize pauses between compressions to maintain consistent blood flow. If changing rescuers or delivering rescue breaths, do it quickly without extended delays.

    4. Consistent Pressure: Maintain a consistent depth and rate with each compression. Avoid leaning on the chest during the recoil phase.

    5. Chest Compression Fraction (CCF): Ideally, aim for a CCF of 80% or higher. CCF represents the proportion of time during CPR that chest compressions are actively being performed.

    6. Team Coordination: In a team setting, ensure proper communication and coordination between team members, especially during rotation or when switching tasks.

    7. Rescuer Fatigue: CPR can be physically demanding. If you become fatigued, switch roles with a fresh rescuer.

    CPR at Resourseful Setting:

• Give oxygen
• IV access and warm fluids
• adrenaline 1mg IV every 4 minutes
• Consider intubation with minimal interruption to chest compressions if intubated continue chest compressions
• Correct reversible cause

1. Here are some common reversible causes of cardiac arrest: (4H&4T)

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3. Hypoxia: A lack of oxygen in the bloodstream can lead to cardiac arrest. Hypoxia can be caused by various factors such as respiratory failure, choking, drowning, severe asthma attacks, or suffocation. Administering oxygen and addressing the underlying respiratory issue can often reverse the arrest.

4. Hypovolemia: Severe loss of blood or fluids due to trauma, internal bleeding, or dehydration can result in inadequate blood volume to maintain cardiac function. Promptly restoring blood volume through intravenous fluids is essential in these cases.

5. Hypothermia: Extremely low body temperature can cause the heart's electrical system to malfunction, leading to cardiac arrest. Rapid rewarming and treatment of the underlying cause of hypothermia can potentially reverse the arrest.

6. Electrolyte Imbalances: Hyper/hypokalemia Abnormal levels of electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium can disrupt the heart's electrical activity and lead to cardiac arrest. Identifying and correcting these imbalances is crucial in resuscitating the patient.

7. Drug Overdose: Some drugs, such as certain medications, illicit drugs, or toxins, can cause cardiac arrest by affecting the heart's rhythm and function. Administering antidotes or providing supportive care can help reverse the effects.

8. Tension Pneumothorax: This occurs when air accumulates in the chest cavity, causing pressure on the heart and lungs. Emergency decompression of the chest is necessary to relieve the pressure and restore cardiac function.

9. Cardiac Tamponade: In this condition, fluid accumulates in the sac around the heart, compressing it and impeding its ability to pump blood effectively. Emergency drainage of the fluid can reverse the arrest.

10. Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot that blocks blood flow in the lungs can lead to cardiac arrest. Administering anticoagulants and other treatments can help dissolve the clot and restore blood flow.

11. Acute Coronary Syndrome: Thrombus(Cardiac/Pulmonary) Cardiac arrest can be a result of a severe heart attack. Immediate medical intervention, such as angioplasty or thrombolytic therapy, is necessary to reopen blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the heart.

12. Infections: Serious infections like sepsis can trigger a systemic inflammatory response that affects the heart's function. Treating the infection aggressively can potentially reverse the cardiac arrest.

Conclusion

Everyone should be encouraged to learn CPR, as it can significantly increase the chances of survival in cardiac arrest emergencies.

Learning Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an essential life skill that can save lives. Remember, the key to successful CPR is early recognition of a cardiac arrest, rapid activation of emergency medical services, and the immediate initiation of chest compressions and rescue breaths. This checklist can serve as a handy guide in case of emergencies, but it is highly recommended to attend certified CPR training to gain practical experience and confidence in performing CPR effectively.

By being prepared and knowing what to do, you can make a significant difference in someone's life during a critical moment. So, let's take the time to learn CPR, equip ourselves with this life-saving skill, and contribute to creating safer communities where everyone has a chance at survival in emergencies.