Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is an emergency first aid procedure used when breathing or the heart function stops.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) claims more lives than other injuries and illnesses combined, including cancer, influenza, pneumonia, road accidents, and more. Despite its importance, around 70% of Australians hesitate to step up and interfere in an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
One key reason for this is the lack of formal CPR training, or their resuscitation knowledge has lapsed, as CPR renewal should be taken every 12 months. Because of this, many people doubt they will be able to perform this procedure successfully, despite its importance.
CPR can be successful in most cases, giving the victims a double or even triple chance of survival when performed immediately. Today, we are looking at some facts on this known lifesaving technique to get a better understanding of how it works and how it is performed.
Cases Of Cardiac Arrest In Australia Every Year
Every year in Australia, approximately 20,000 people experience out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest across all age groups, mostly adults. It is a health issue that carries considerable societal and economic costs not only in the land down under but also across the globe.
According to a study, the estimated economic loss of SCA to the Australian economy every year was comparable to all forms of cancers combined. Almost 90% of these cases are fatal. To the average reader, this could be interpreted as evidence that CPR is not effective in saving lives. But that is not the case.
When To Use CPR?
When a person’s heart stops beating and their breathing is interrupted, they are in cardiac arrest.
During a cardiac arrest, the heart cannot pump blood throughout the body, including the brain, lungs, and other vital organs. At this point, death can happen in minutes if no treatment is applied.
The performance of CPR uses chest compressions to mimic the pumping action of the heart. These compressions will help keep the blood flowing to the rest of the body.
If cardiac arrest happens to someone, be it a loved one or to a person nearby, do not be afraid. Being prepared and getting CPR training can make the outcome of these events much more successful.
Follow these steps if someone is suspected of a cardiac arrest:
Call Emergency Services
Call triple zero (000) right away for emergency medical assistance. If another bystander is in the area, save time by asking the person to make the call instead. Ask others to locate an automated external defibrillator (AED) while you begin CPR.
AEDs are portable, battery-operated machines that analyse heart rhythm and deliver a shock necessary to restore its pumping function.
Give CPR
Push down hard and fast on the victim’s chest at a rate of approximately 100 to 120 pushes per minute. Let the chest completely recoil or come back up to its normal position after each compression. The famous Bee Gee’s song Staying Alive is the recommended beat to follow when performing compressions.
The method of CPR mostly used in outside of the hospital cardiac arrest is called “Hands-only,” which does not involve rescue breathing into the person’s mouth.
Monitor The Victim’s Condition
Stay with the victim and monitor their condition while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Continue giving CPR until further treatment is available and can take over.
Get CPR Training
If you want to help improve others’ chances of surviving a cardiac arrest and other serious injuries learning CPR and other first aid techniques is an important step.
An excellent way to learn those lifesaving procedures is through a CPR and first aid course.
Get an in-person class here and for those who prefer completing it online, try here.
For more information, get in touch with our friendly team.
