Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating, causing a person to lose consciousness and stop breathing. It can happen without warning and requires immediate action. When someone goes into cardiac arrest, survival rates dramatically improve if they receive quick and effective treatment. One of the most crucial interventions is CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), which helps maintain blood flow to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. This article outlines the essential steps to help someone experiencing cardiac arrest and emphasizes the importance of CPR training in Calgary.
Step 1: Recognize the Signs of Cardiac Arrest
The first step in responding to a cardiac arrest emergency is recognizing the signs. Cardiac arrest usually occurs suddenly, and the individual will typically collapse. The person may be unresponsive, not breathing, or only gasping (agonal breathing). It is important to differentiate between normal breathing and gasping. Agonal breathing is irregular, often shallow, and may sound like a gurgling noise. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, they are likely experiencing cardiac arrest.
Tip: If you are unsure whether the person is in cardiac arrest, it’s better to start CPR than to wait. Time is critical in these situations.
Step 2: Call for Help
Once you recognize that someone is in cardiac arrest, your next priority is to call for emergency help immediately. Dial your local emergency number (such as 911 in the U.S.) and provide clear details about the situation, including the location and the condition of the person. If you’re with others, ask someone else to make the call while you begin CPR. Fast action can increase the person’s chances of survival, so don’t waste any time.
Tip: If you are alone, use a speakerphone or put the phone on the ground so that you can begin CPR while still speaking with the dispatcher. Emergency operators can provide guidance and even walk you through the steps of CPR if you’re unsure.
Step 3: Start Chest Compressions (Hands-Only CPR)
Once you have called for help, begin chest compressions immediately. CPR helps circulate oxygenated blood to the brain and vital organs. Chest compressions are the most crucial component of CPR and should be started as soon as possible.
Here’s how to perform chest compressions:
- Position your hands: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, just below the breastbone. Place your other hand on top of the first, interlocking your fingers.
- Body alignment: Position your shoulders directly over your hands with your arms straight. Use your upper body weight to push down firmly.
- Compression depth and rate: Compress the chest at least two inches deep (about 5 cm) and at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. You should allow the chest to fully rise between compressions.
Tip: Focus on continuous chest compressions without interruptions. If you stop, blood flow to the brain and vital organs will decrease, which can decrease the person’s chances of survival.
Step 4: Provide Rescue Breaths (if trained)
If you are trained in CPR and feel comfortable, you can provide rescue breaths in addition to chest compressions. However, it’s important to note that hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breaths) can be just as effective in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, especially for untrained bystanders. Rescue breaths should be given at a rate of 2 breaths for every 30 chest compressions.
To perform rescue breaths:
- Open the airway: Tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin to open the airway.
- Give the breath: Pinch the person’s nose shut, cover their mouth with yours, and breathe into their lungs until you see the chest rise.
- Continue cycles: After giving two rescue breaths, continue with 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.
Tip: If you are not trained in rescue breathing, it’s okay to skip this step and continue with hands-only CPR. The key is to keep the blood circulating until help arrives.
Step 5: Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
If there is an AED nearby, use it as soon as possible. An AED is a portable device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock (defibrillation) to restart the heart if necessary. The device will guide you through the process with voice prompts.
Here’s how to use an AED:
- Turn on the AED: Power on the device and follow the prompts.
- Place the pads: Attach the electrode pads to the person’s chest as indicated on the AED pads, one on the upper right side of the chest and the other on the lower left side.
- Let the AED analyze: The AED will automatically assess the heart’s rhythm. Make sure no one is touching the person while it does so.
- Follow the prompts: If the AED advises a shock, ensure no one is touching the person and press the shock button.
Tip: If you do not have access to an AED, continue CPR until emergency responders arrive.
Step 6: Continue Until Help Arrives
Continue CPR until professional medical help arrives or until the person starts breathing or shows signs of life. If emergency medical responders arrive, they will take over and provide advanced care.
Tip: Even if you are exhausted, try to continue chest compressions. If someone else arrives and is trained, ask them to take over so you can rest. The key is not to stop until help arrives.
The Importance of CPR Training
Taking a CPR course is essential for anyone who wants to be prepared to handle a cardiac arrest emergency. CPR training equips you with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively when every second counts. It teaches you proper technique for chest compressions, how to perform rescue breaths, and how to use an AED. Having CPR training can make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
Tip: CPR training is widely available and can be taken through organizations like the American Heart Association, Red Cross, and local hospitals or community centers. For anyone looking to be prepared to save a life, CPR certification is an invaluable skill.
A Serious Medical Emergency
Cardiac arrest is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate action. By following the essential steps—recognizing the signs, calling for help, performing chest compressions, providing rescue breaths (if trained), using an AED, and continuing until help arrives—you can dramatically increase a person’s chances of survival. CPR training plays a critical role in helping individuals respond effectively in these life-threatening situations, making it a vital skill for everyone to have.
