>> About Cardiac Arrest
Often caused by abnormal heart rhythm
This aberrant rhythm is ventricular fibrillation (VF)
During VF heart stops pumping blood
Patient may stop breathing
No pulse may be detected
A shock to the heart, called defibrillation, required
Defibrillation stops VF, restores heart function
>> What is CPR?
Emergency life-saving measure
Combination of rescue breathing & chest compressions
Done on unconscious/ non-breathing patient
Done on persons suffering cardiac arrest
Also for near-drowning/ asphyxiation/ trauma cases
CPR conducts defibrillation
Supports heart pumping for short duration
Allows oxygen to reach brain
Buys time till help arrives
More effective when done as early as possible
>>THE VITAL STEPS
Assess if the person is conscious / breathing
Lay the person on his back on a hard surface
Using a head tilt -chin lift open his airway
Check for breathing sound
If not breathing, start mouth-to-mouth breathing
>> Mouth- to-mouth breathing
Pinch the person's nostril shut
Seal his mouth with your own
Give the first breath, lasting one second
Watch if chest rises
If it rises, give second rescue breath
If it does not rise, give a head tilt- chin lift
Now give second rescue breath
>> Restore circulation through compression
Place heel of your palm on patient's chest
Place your other hand above first
Keep elbows straight
Push down using upper body weight (compress)
Push hard and fast
After 30 compressions, clear airway
Give two rescue breaths
This is one cycle
Give 100 compressions /minute
Continue CPR till medical help arrives
>> CPR for children (under 8 yrs/ infant)
Procedure almost same as for adult
Following details should be incorporated
20 breaths/min should be delivered
100 compressions/minute should be given
Chest compressions - given with one hand
>>Prognosis
If done well, CPR saves life
Normalcy is restored in rescued person
CPR can also be ineffective, causing death
In some cases, causes injuries / damages
>> Caution
Ribs/heart/lungs/ liver may be injured
After CPR, medical attention should be given
>>CPR training
CPR - practical skill acquired through training
Professional training/ regular practice mandatory
CPR not confined to medical professionals
Community organizations, like Red Cross, conduct training
