CPR Procedures for Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate action. The standard procedure for resuscitation, commonly known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), involves a series of well-defined steps that can significantly increase the chances of survival. Proper execution of CPR can make a crucial difference before professional medical help arrives.

Step 1: Recognize Cardiac Arrest

Before initiating CPR, it is essential to determine if the person is experiencing cardiac arrest. For trained medical professionals, checking for responsiveness and feeling for a pulse in the carotid artery is critical. If there is no pulse and the person is unresponsive, CPR should begin immediately. For bystanders without formal medical training, if the person does not respond when called or shaken gently, it's important to act quickly and start CPR without delay.

Step 2: Perform Chest Compressions

The first responder should ensure the person is lying flat on a firm surface. Remove any restrictive clothing and loosen the belt. Keep the head, neck, and torso aligned straight with no pillow under the head. Place the person's arms along their sides.

To perform chest compressions, place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest—specifically on the lower half of the sternum. Place the other hand on top and interlock your fingers, keeping your fingers lifted and your arms straight. Use your upper body weight to compress the chest at a rate of approximately 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm). Maintaining good hand placement and proper posture is vital for effective compressions.

Step 3: Open the Airway and Provide Rescue Breaths

Before giving rescue breaths, clear the person's mouth of any visible obstructions such as food or dentures. Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway. The angle between the jaw and the ground should be close to 90 degrees to ensure the trachea is fully accessible.

For mouth-to-mouth breathing, pinch the person's nose shut, take a deep breath, and place your mouth completely over theirs to create an airtight seal. Blow steadily for about one second, watching for the chest to rise. After two rescue breaths, resume chest compressions. The recommended ratio is 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths, and this cycle should be repeated continuously.

Step 4: Call for Emergency Medical Assistance

While performing CPR, it is crucial to ensure that someone nearby calls the local emergency number (e.g., 911 or 120) as soon as possible. If you're alone, perform CPR for about two minutes before making the call, unless someone else can assist simultaneously. Continue CPR until professional help arrives or the person shows signs of regaining consciousness.

Conclusion

Understanding and correctly applying the CPR process can save lives during sudden cardiac arrest. Whether you are a trained professional or a concerned bystander, taking immediate action and maintaining high-quality compressions can be the key to survival. Always remember to call for emergency assistance promptly to ensure the best possible outcome.