Why should everyone learn CPR? What makes this life-saving skill so important?

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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. CPR consists of chest compressions and artificial ventilation to maintain circulatory flow and oxygenation during cardiac arrest. It should be performed immediately on any person who loses consciousness and is found not to have a pulse. It's important to understand that time is very crucial when someone's blood flow or breathing stops. Permanent brain damage or death can occur quickly in such situations.

Dr. M Sudhakar Rao, Consultant - Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Road says "In the critical moments after a cardiac arrest, timely CPR can make the difference between life and death. Every minute counts, and immediate chest compressions can help maintain blood flow to vital organs, increasing the chances of survival until professional help arrives."

How to identify a cardiac arrest?

Primary cardiac arrest is characterized by a sudden, unexpected collapse in an individual who is not responsive. This is when you need to check for responsiveness by shaking them, shouting their name, and rubbing the breastbone (sternum) with your knuckles. This will help determine if the person is unconscious due to another cause or if they are indeed experiencing a cardiac arrest. If there is no response despite efforts to wake him up, you should assume that the person has experienced a cardiac arrest.

How to manage cardiac arrest and how to perform CPR?

Call the emergency number or instruct someone else to do so if the person is unresponsive and having difficulty breathing. Tilt the patient's head back to open the airway and determine if they are breathing. If the patient still doesn't start breathing within 10 seconds, begin CPR. Perform forceful chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute. Push hard to a depth of at least 2 inches and fast about twice per second until the person responds. Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression. Remember, you should not stop performing CPR until a healthcare professional arrives or a pulse is restored.

Once you start performing CPR, do not stop it except in the below situations:

1. You notice an obvious sign of life, like breathing or pulse.
2. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available and ready to use.
3. Another CPR-trained responder or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel take over.
4. You are too exhausted to continue.
5. The scene becomes unsafe.

What is the importance of timely CPR?

For every 60 seconds that pass, the chances of survival without CPR or defibrillation decrease by 10%. Brain damage begins to occur after only 4 minutes. After 10 minutes, it is unlikely that they can be saved. The most favourable neurological outcomes are achieved when CPR is performed immediately.

Adding to this Dr. M Sudhakar Rao says, "CPR is an essential skill that anyone can learn and perform. By acting quickly and confidently, even before emergency responders arrive, you are giving someone the best possible chance of recovery. It's not just a procedure-it's a life saving action."

Article attributed to - Dr. M Sudhakar Rao, Consultant - Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Road

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.