Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation And Emergency Treatment For Cardiac Arrest

When someone experiences cardiac arrest, immediate emergency intervention is crucial to increase the chances of survival. The first and most important step is to perform high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The patient should be placed in a supine position on a firm, flat surface, ideally with a backboard placed beneath them to ensure optimal chest compression depth.

Effective Chest Compressions

To perform chest compressions correctly, rescuers should place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum, at the junction of the middle and lower one-third. The other hand should be placed on top, with fingers interlocked. Using the strength of the shoulders and upper body, apply firm and fast compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute and a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm), allowing full chest recoil between compressions.

Early Defibrillation And Monitoring

Continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is essential during resuscitation efforts. If ventricular fibrillation (VF) is detected, immediate defibrillation using a biphasic automated external defibrillator (AED) should be performed. Early defibrillation significantly improves survival rates, especially when combined with effective CPR.

Pharmacological Support

In cases where defibrillation is not immediately successful or unavailable, intravenous administration of epinephrine is recommended every 3 to 5 minutes to enhance myocardial and cerebral perfusion. If VF or pulseless ventricular tachycardia persists, antiarrhythmic medications such as amiodarone or lidocaine may be used as an adjunct to defibrillation attempts.

Management Of Asystole

If ECG monitoring reveals asystole, advanced life support (ALS) protocols should be followed, which may include additional doses of epinephrine. In some cases, isoproterenol may be considered under specific medical supervision to stimulate cardiac activity, though its use is typically limited to specialized settings.

Timely and coordinated emergency care, including high-quality CPR, early defibrillation, and appropriate medication use, plays a critical role in improving outcomes for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. Training in basic life support (BLS) and access to AEDs in public spaces can significantly enhance survival rates and neurological recovery.