Health and Me

Health And Me Desk

CPR Can Double or Triple Survival Chances: Why Every Citizen Should Learn This Lifesaving Skill

<span>Cardiac arrest</span> is considered one of the most urgent medical situations. It can occur unpredictably, at home, at work, while traveling, or anywhere. It is characterized by a blockage in the heart's arteries, and it differs from a heart attack, which is a situation when the heart stops pumping blood into the body. After a few minutes, oxygen deficiency happens and affects the brain and other organs. Therefore, it is important to know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (<span>CPR</span>).

CPR is an emergency lifesaving technique that uses chest compressions and, in some situations, blowing mouth-to-mouth air into the person who has suffered a cardiac arrest, to help maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs when a person's heart has stopped beating effectively. It does not restart the heart by itself, but it can keep blood flowing until an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available or emergency medical professionals arrive. 

Importantly, CPR is not a skill limited to doctors or healthcare professionals. It can be administered by ordinary people for whom learning the basic CPR techniques is easy.

<h2>The Importance of Rapid and Efficient Actions in Case of Cardiac Arrest</h2>

If someone faces cardiac arrest, rapid actions may save this person's life. If CPR is performed directly and immediately after a cardiac arrest, it will be possible to keep the flow of blood to the brain and other organs before the arrival of medical experts. The use of CPR can improve the chances of survival for patients who have experienced cardiac arrest. 

Besides, in combination with early defibrillation through an AED, it can be even more effective. AED is a portable medical device that checks the <span>heart rhythm</span> of the person experiencing cardiac arrest and delivers an electric shock to restart a normal heartbeat.

However, sometimes people prefer to do nothing for fear of mistakes. But it is much more dangerous not to act at all.

It begins with identifying the presence of a possible cardiac arrest in the patient. The patient will generally fall, become unconscious, and will not breathe properly. They can occasionally breathe abnormally with strange sounds, which should not be considered breathing properly.

If you see anyone fall and become unresponsive, check whether they respond to your questions and breathe normally. Tell any passerby to call the emergency services and bring an AED device, if one is present. If the patient is not breathing normally, initiate CPR on them.

If the patient is an adult, hands-only CPR can be done easily by everyone. For this, you need to keep the heel of one of your hands in the center of the person’s chest, keep your other hand over it, and press down with a rapid rhythm. The compression must be continued at a pace of around 100-120 beats per minute.

Also, you can use the AED device if one is available. Turn on the AED and follow the steps according to the voice prompts from it. The AED device will analyze the rhythm of the heart and give a shock.

<h2>CPR is a Practical Skill, not Just Medical Knowledge</h2>

Another reason for reluctance to administer CPR is the notion that it should be administered only by doctors, nurses, and other professionals. However, even basic CPR can be taught to regular citizens using special courses. It takes only a couple of hours of practice for someone to gain enough confidence to use CPR in emergencies.

CPR training should be more accessible in schools, offices, and residential communities, as it would help people know what to do in those critical first few minutes.

Cardiac arrest will not wait for doctors to show up. When cardiac arrest occurs, the first person on the scene might be either a relative, co-worker, friend, or a total stranger. Knowing CPR will prepare you for these moments of life or death. A simple skill learned today may help save someone’s life tomorrow.

<strong><em>(Dr. Lalit Kapoor, Senior Consultant - Cardiac Surgery and Robotic Surgery – Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, Kolkata)</em></strong>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cpr-can-double-or-triple-survival-chances-why-every-citizen-should-learn-this-lifesaving-skill

cardiac arrest

heart block

heart rhythm

lifesaving skill

zombie-drug-medetomidine-spotted-in-heroin-supply-raises-concern-as-it-could-evade-overdose-antidote

‘Zombie’ Drug Medetomidine, Spotted In Heroin Supply, Raises Concern As It Could Evade Overdose Antidote

gray-hair-isnt-just-aging-study-finds-a-bodys-secret-defense-against-cancer

Gray Hair Isn’t Just Aging: Study Finds A Body’s Secret Defense Against Cancer

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Cardiac arrest is considered one of the most urgent medical situations. It can occur unpredictably, at home, at work, while traveling, or anywhere. It is characterized by a blockage in the heart's arteries, and it differs from a heart attack, which is a situation when the heart stops pumping blood into the body. After a few minutes, oxygen deficiency happens and affects the brain and other organs. Therefore, it is important to know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).CPR is an emergency lifesaving technique that uses chest compressions and, in some situations, blowing mouth-to-mouth air into the person who has suffered a cardiac arrest, to help maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs when a person's heart has stopped beating effectively. It does not restart the heart by itself, but it can keep blood flowing until an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available or emergency medical professionals arrive. Importantly, CPR is not a skill limited to doctors or healthcare professionals. It can be administered by ordinary people for whom learning the basic CPR techniques is easy.The Importance of Rapid and Efficient Actions in Case of Cardiac ArrestIf someone faces cardiac arrest, rapid actions may save this person's life. If CPR is performed directly and immediately after a cardiac arrest, it will be possible to keep the flow of blood to the brain and other organs before the arrival of medical experts. The use of CPR can improve the chances of survival for patients who have experienced cardiac arrest. Besides, in combination with early defibrillation through an AED, it can be even more effective. AED is a portable medical device that checks the heart rhythm of the person experiencing cardiac arrest and delivers an electric shock to restart a normal heartbeat.However, sometimes people prefer to do nothing for fear of mistakes. But it is much more dangerous not to act at all.Recognizing Cardiac ArrestIt begins with identifying the presence of a possible cardiac arrest in the patient. The patient will generally fall, become unconscious, and will not breathe properly. They can occasionally breathe abnormally with strange sounds, which should not be considered breathing properly.If you see anyone fall and become unresponsive, check whether they respond to your questions and breathe normally. Tell any passerby to call the emergency services and bring an AED device, if one is present. If the patient is not breathing normally, initiate CPR on them.What To Do?If the patient is an adult, hands-only CPR can be done easily by everyone. For this, you need to keep the heel of one of your hands in the center of the person’s chest, keep your other hand over it, and press down with a rapid rhythm. The compression must be continued at a pace of around 100-120 beats per minute.Also, you can use the AED device if one is available. Turn on the AED and follow the steps according to the voice prompts from it. The AED device will analyze the rhythm of the heart and give a shock.CPR is a Practical Skill, not Just Medical KnowledgeAnother reason for reluctance to administer CPR is the notion that it should be administered only by doctors, nurses, and other professionals. However, even basic CPR can be taught to regular citizens using special courses. It takes only a couple of hours of practice for someone to gain enough confidence to use CPR in emergencies.CPR training should be more accessible in schools, offices, and residential communities, as it would help people know what to do in those critical first few minutes.Cardiac arrest will not wait for doctors to show up. When cardiac arrest occurs, the first person on the scene might be either a relative, co-worker, friend, or a total stranger. Knowing CPR will prepare you for these moments of life or death. A simple skill learned today may help save someone’s life tomorrow.(Dr. Lalit Kapoor, Senior Consultant - Cardiac Surgery and Robotic Surgery – Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, Kolkata)

cpr can double or triple survival chances: why every citizen should learn this lifesaving skill

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

CPR Can Double or Triple Survival Chances: Why Every Citizen Should Learn This Lifesaving Skill

Gray Hair Isn’t Just Aging: Study Finds A Body’s Secret Defense Against Cancer

Alzheimer's Day: Why Can A Patient Remember An Event From Decades Ago But Forget What Happened This Morning?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Why the First Few Minutes Are Critical for Survival

Health Conditions A-Z

CPR Can Double or Triple Survival Chances: Why Every Citizen Should Learn This Lifesaving Skill

‘Zombie’ Drug Medetomidine, Spotted In Heroin Supply, Raises Concern As It Could Evade Overdose Antidote

Gray Hair Isn’t Just Aging: Study Finds A Body’s Secret Defense Against Cancer