Cardiac Arrest First Aid: What You Need to Know

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart's ability to pump blood suddenly stops, leading to the loss of pulse, absence of heart sounds, and severe lack of oxygen to vital organs such as the brain. This condition is medically referred to as sudden cardiac death. The most common cause of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation, a dangerous heart rhythm disturbance that disrupts normal heart function.

Immediate Response to Cardiac Arrest

When a person experiences cardiac arrest, every second counts. Immediate intervention is crucial to increase the chances of survival. The two main components of cardiac arrest management are Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). Since the majority of cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting, BLS becomes the critical first step in the chain of survival.

Basic Life Support: CPR and Immediate Care

Basic Life Support primarily involves performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a lifesaving technique that helps maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the body's vital organs. CPR typically includes chest compressions, airway management, and rescue breathing. In cases where a defibrillator is available, early defibrillation can be a key factor in restoring a normal heart rhythm.

While performing CPR, it is essential to call for professional medical assistance immediately. Activating the local emergency medical services (EMS) ensures that trained personnel and advanced equipment can arrive as soon as possible to continue care.

Advanced Life Support: Professional Medical Intervention

Once emergency medical responders arrive, they will take over with Advanced Life Support measures. These may include advanced airway management, intravenous medication administration, continuous cardiac monitoring, and further defibrillation if necessary. ALS is designed to stabilize the patient and prepare them for transport to a medical facility for ongoing treatment and evaluation.