Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is one of the most critical lifesaving techniques used during medical emergencies. When someone’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing, CPR helps maintain blood flow and oxygen to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. This emergency procedure combines chest compressions and, in some cases, rescue breaths to manually sustain circulation and breathing for someone in cardiac arrest. Performing CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival, helping keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs, thus preventing irreversible damage. By learning CPR, everyday people are empowered to take quick, effective action in life-threatening situations.
The Importance of Learning CPR
Cardiac arrest is an unexpected and often sudden event, occurring when the heart stops beating effectively. When the heart stops, oxygenated blood no longer circulates, leading to rapid brain damage within minutes. CPR can provide a crucial lifeline, maintaining circulation and oxygenation until professional responders arrive.
Why Everyone Should Learn CPR?
Every year, millions of people worldwide suffer from sudden cardiac arrests, most of which happen outside a hospital setting. According to recent statistics, survival rates significantly improve when bystanders perform CPR. For example, studies show that bystander CPR can increase the survival rate by over 50% in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. In many cases, cardiac arrest victims are surrounded by family, friends, or coworkers. When these individuals are equipped with CPR knowledge, they are more likely to act quickly and confidently, giving the victim a fighting chance.
Real-life Situations Where CPR Can Be a Lifesaver
CPR is not only applicable in cardiac arrest situations but can be valuable in various emergency scenarios. Some examples include:
- Drowning incidents: CPR helps restore breathing when someone’s lungs have filled with water, restricting oxygen flow.
- Drug overdose: Opioid overdoses, for example, can depress breathing and circulation. CPR can keep a person alive until emergency services arrive with medical interventions.
- Choking incidents: If someone has become unconscious from choking, CPR can help circulate oxygen until the obstruction is removed or medical help arrives.
- Severe allergic reactions: Known as anaphylaxis, these reactions can restrict airways and circulation. CPR can sustain oxygen flow while waiting for epinephrine or other emergency care.
Knowing CPR means being prepared for these emergencies, potentially saving lives in situations where time is of the essence.
Understanding the CPR Process
The steps involved are simple but must be done correctly to be effective. CPR has been developed to ensure that even non-medical bystanders can provide assistance in emergencies.
The Science Behind CPR
The primary objective is to temporarily take over the role of the heart and lungs by keeping blood and oxygen circulating. The brain and other organs require oxygen-rich blood to prevent damage, and CPR helps bridge the gap until normal heart function can be restored. Chest compressions stimulate the heart by increasing pressure in the chest, mimicking the natural process of blood being pumped by the heart.
Chest Compressions
In adults chest compressions are the most crucial element of CPR. To perform chest compressions:
- Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the chest, between the nipples.
- Place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers.
- Press down hard and fast, aiming for a depth of about 5 cm in adults.
- Maintain a rhythm of 100-120 compressions per minute, roughly to the beat of a song like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
Chest compressions are powerful enough to circulate blood and should be consistent to maximise effectiveness. Avoid pausing compressions unless absolutely necessary, as every pause reduces the flow of oxygenated blood.
Are Rescue Breaths Necessary?
In conventional CPR, rescue breaths are performed by tilting the person’s head back, pinching their nose, and blowing air into their lungs after every 30 compressions. Rescue breaths are essential for children and infants, whose respiratory issues often lead to cardiac arrest. However, for adults, hands-only CPR (compressions only) is highly effective, especially if the bystander is untrained or unsure about rescue breathing. The goal is to keep blood flowing, so compressions should always take precedence if you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths.
Hands-Only vs. Conventional CPR
There are two primary types of CPR: hands-only and conventional. Both have specific uses, depending on the age of the person and the rescuer’s skill level.
What is Hands-Only CPR?
Hands-only involves chest compressions without rescue breaths. This method is recommended for untrained bystanders and has been shown to be effective in cases of sudden cardiac arrest in adults. hands-only CPR is a powerful and easy-to-remember method that’s effective in increasing survival rates.
To perform hands-only CPR:
- Begin chest compressions on the centre of the chest.
- Compress the chest at a consistent rate of 100-120 compressions per minute until help arrives.
What is Conventional CPR?
Conventional CPR combines chest compressions with rescue breaths. While hands-only is effective for most adult cardiac arrests, conventional CPR is essential for children, infants, drowning victims, and situations involving respiratory emergencies. Conventional CPR follows a 30:2 ratio: 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths. This combination of compressions and breaths is particularly effective when the cause of arrest is related to oxygen deprivation rather than cardiac issues.
Which one To Use?
The choice between hands-only and conventional CPR depends on the situation and the person’s needs:
- Hands-only: Ideal for adults who collapse suddenly in public, as it’s quick and straightforward.
- Conventional: Recommended for children, infants, and anyone with a suspected respiratory cause of collapse. Conventional CPR is also beneficial if the rescuer is trained and confident in performing rescue breaths.
Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, are devices that deliver an electric shock to help restart a heart that’s in a state of cardiac arrest. When used alongside CPR, AEDs can significantly increase survival chances.
The Role of an AED
AEDs detect abnormal heart rhythms and advise the user if a shock is needed to restore a normal rhythm. Using an AED is straightforward, with clear voice instructions, and it will only administer a shock if necessary. AEDs play an invaluable role in emergency settings by giving the heart a chance to reset. This is why it is important to understand where you can find the nearest AED. Check your local ambulance website to register or locate an already registered AED. For any Victorian readers, you can check the closest AED to you at the Ambulance Victoria website.
Setting Up an AED Program
Establishing an AED program is essential for any public space, workplace, school, or sports facility. Setting up an AED program involves:
- Purchasing AEDs and placing them in accessible locations.
- Training employees or members on how to use the AED.
- Performing regular maintenance checks to ensure the AED is functioning.
Publicly accessible AEDs, paired with CPR, have helped save countless lives by providing essential intervention within the critical minutes following cardiac arrest.
CPR Training and Courses
Learning through a certified course provides hands-on practice and guidance to ensure you’re ready to act confidently in emergencies.
Why Opt for Certified CPR Courses
Certified CPR courses offer structured training that covers the proper techniques for both hands-only and conventional CPR, as well as AED usage. In a certified course, students get real-time feedback and can practice on mannequins, helping them understand the correct depth and rhythm of chest compressions. This in-depth knowledge prepares individuals to perform CPR effectively and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes during an emergency.
Finding a CPR Course Near You
To find a course near you, check local organisations, hospitals, or websites dedicated to lifesaving training. Many online resources offer a directory of classes in various areas. Such as Life Saving First Aid we provide certified CPR courses to suit individual and group needs.
Be a Lifesaver: Learn CPR Today
Knowledge is essential, accessible, and potentially lifesaving. By understanding and practicing CPR, you equip yourself with a vital skill that could make a profound difference in someone’s life. In emergencies, every second counts, and CPR is one of the most effective ways to act quickly and keep someone alive until professional help arrives. Whether through hands only or conventional CPR, the ability to provide aid in a crisis is invaluable.
Take the step to become a life saver today—your training could be the key to saving a life.
