Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
is a rescue procedure that is carried out on victims of cardiac arrests and
other injuries to save their lives. The procedure comprises chest compressions
and rescue breaths. The lifesaving procedure helps to revive victims whose hearts have failed and
who are not breathing- by ensuring that the victim has enough oxygen supply in
the brain and other critical body organs. CPR when administered early and in an
accurate manner can add significant time for victim’s life as you wait for the
arrival of emergency medical services. Contrarily, common mistakes while performing
the procedure may increase risks.
It is important for
individuals to sign up for CPR classes at accredited training sites, such as
the AHA certified CPR Kansas City. Classes are conducted through a series of
audio and video lectures and hands-on practice.
According to the American
Heart Association, 92 percent- of the 10000 cases of cardiac arrest that are
reported to occur at workplaces- die before they arrive in a hospital. The AHA
recommends that automated external defibrillators be used beside cardiopulmonary
resuscitation in order to boost the survival of cardiac arrest victims. The
process of defibrillation involves application of electric shocks to the chest
of a cardiac arrest victim with an AED device. It is considered to be the
ultimate solution to restore the regular heartbeat in someone experiencing
cardiac arrest whereas CPR is only a temporary solution to help in maintaining
a constant supply of oxygen to the vital organs and the brain.
When you come across a victim
involved in a cardiac emergency, what you choose to do will determine whether
the person lives or dies. It’s better that you come forward and help even when you doubt that your
skills are not enough to revive an individual, and avoid the common CPR
mistakes which are as follows:
1.
When
dealing with victims of drowning or electrocution, check your surroundings to
figure out the causes of the accident or attack before performing CPR.
2.
When you
face an emergency involving someone else, dial 911 right away before commencing
CPR.
3.
Just focus
on resuscitation as delay in performing chest compressions to restore the flow
of blood in the body decreases the chances of survival for the victim.
4.
Avoid
performing rescue breaths if you are untrained in executing it properly, just
carry on with chest compressions only.
5.
Perform
chest compressions and rescue breaths in the ratio of 30:2. The compressions should be 2
inches in adults and 1 inch for small children.
6.
Make sure
to tilt the head to check whether the airway is open as there won’t be enough
air reaching the victim’s lungs (thus less oxygenated blood) if the airway is
blocked when you are giving rescue breaths.
7.
Do not lean
on the victim you are trying to revive as it is important to allow the victim’s
chest to recoil completely as it is in doing compressions.
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