cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Define cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Describe the process of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Describe the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation refers to an emergency procedure that consists of chest compressions mainly combined with artificial ventilation. This is done in order to maintain proper brain function manually, before further measures are taken in order to restore spontaneous breathing and blood circulation in a person suffering a cardiac arrest. This procedure is recommended for persons suffering from abnormal breathing or no breathing.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation involves compression of the chest at a depth of five to six centimeters, and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

The rescuer often also provides artificial ventilation. In the absence of a ventilator, this can be done by exhaling air into the person’s nose or mouth. A ventilator is a device that pushes air into a person’s lungs to support breathing. Current recommendations put more emphasis on high-quality chest compressions over ventilation (artificial).

It is unlikely for cardiopulmonary resuscitation alone to restart the heart. The main purpose of this procedure is to restore the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart and brain. This helps to delay tissue death. It also extends the window of opportunity for complete resuscitation without the risk of permanent brain damage.

An electric shock may be administered to a person’s heart to restore heart rhythm. This process is called defibrillation. Note that not all heart rhythms can be shocked, but cardiopulmonary resuscitation may make the heart rhythm change and qualify for defibrillation.

Generally, cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be continued until spontaneous circulation is restored or the person is pronounced dead.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation can help in saving a life in case of a breathing or cardiac emergency. It is therefore important to understand the steps of performing it. Below is a guide to help you understand the steps of conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation:

• Check if the scene is safe and use personal protective equipment.
• Check for breathing, responsiveness, bleeding, or any life-threatening conditions.
• If there is no response from the person, or is gasping, immediately call the emergency number used in your country.
• Place the person on a flat, firm surface, on their back.
• Administer 30 chest compressions. While doing this the hands should be centered on the chest, shoulders over your hands, at a depth of at least 5 centimeters and at a rate of 100 to 200 compressions per minute. Make sure you allow the chest to return to its normal position before the next compression.
• Give 2 breaths. Each breath should last for approximately 1 second. You should allow air to exit from the lungs before giving the next breath.
• Continue administering sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until circulation is restored. Use a ventilator as soon as possible.

Importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation

• It saves lives. Cardiac arrest can happen to a person at any time. Victims of sudden cardiac arrest must be treated immediately, otherwise they risk losing their lives. Performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation increases the chance of survival greatly.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation prevents brain death. During a cardiac arrest, oxygenated blood does not reach the brain. The brain can suffer damage in such a case. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation helps keep the blood flowing in the brain.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation helps speed the recovery of a patient. A person who suffers a cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation is performed on him, will recover faster than on one who cardiopulmonary resuscitation was never performed.
• It is easy to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Anyone can learn the procedure which makes the skill available in our everyday lives, therefore making everyone safe.