Life-Saving Techniques: First Aid for Cardiac Arrest
When someone goes into cardiac arrest, fast, effective intervention is the key to saving his or her life. Most people who experience this issue don’t survive, but if you know what to do when it happens, you can make a difference. Your intervention could double or even triple a victim’s chance of living through cardiac arrest and getting to the hospital for further medical care.
Reports indicate that only about 40 percent of the global population has had at least some CPR training. Even then, fewer than 20 percent are said to keep their training up to date. Of those who do know how to perform CPR and other lifesaving techniques, many don’t feel comfortable stepping in when someone needs help. With all that being the case, taking an advanced first aid course could empower you to be one of the few who’s trained and confident enough to save someone’s life.
First-Aid Measures for Cardiac Arrest
Fainting is a common sign that a person is suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. Several medical conditions can cause a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain that leads to fainting. Most of them are short-lived, though. In cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating, which means it’s not sending blood to the rest of the body. Unlike some other causes of fainting, it won’t go away as quickly as it started.
If someone faints, it’s important to contact emergency responders immediately. If possible, have someone else do this while you begin administering first-aid and CPR. Check the person’s pulse and breathing. If the victim isn’t breathing and there’s no pulse, cardiac arrest could very likely be the culprit. That means you’ll need to begin CPR
Administering CPR
CPR helps keep a cardiac arrest victim’s blood pumping through the body to supply vital organs with oxygen and nutrients. It consists of chest compressions and breaths. The exact technique has changed over time, but right now, the recommended rate is 30 chest compressions to two breaths. Ideally, experts recommend performing 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This process needs to be repeated constantly until help arrives to take over.
Using an AED
If there’s an AED available, consider using it. These devices don’t require any prior medical knowledge, and they come with clear instructions on how to use them. All you have to do is open up the case surrounding the device. It’ll tell you how to proceed. You’ll need to attach the pads to the cardiac arrest victim, but the instructions on the AED will tell you how to do that as well. From there, it’ll measure the person’s heart rate and deliver a shock to try to restart the heart if necessary.
If the victim regains consciousness or shows signs of life after you use the AED, you can stop your lifesaving measures. Otherwise, continue alternating between CPR and the AED. Leave the AED’s pads attached to the victim. After it delivers its first shocks, you’ll need to resume CPR. Then, the AED will tell you when to move away so it can deliver another shock.
Saving the Life of a Cardiac Arrest Victim
When someone suffers from cardiac arrest, knowing how to help and responding quickly can mean the difference between life and death. Consider arming yourself with first-aid and CPR training so you’ll be able to step in when someone needs help. At the same time, be sure to keep your training up to date so you’ll be aware of any changes or new developments that come into play.
