Cardiac Arrest: Causes, CPR Techniques, and First Aid

Cardiac arrest epidemiology and condition

Cardiac arrest means the heart stops beating properly. With no blood flow going to the brain the casualty becomes unresponsive and stops breathing. Cardiac arrest means the casualty is clinically dead, but if CPR is started and a defibrillator is applied quickly there is still an opportunity to restore a normal heartbeat.

Common causes of cardiac arrest

Heart attack
Severe injuries
Electrical shock
Drug overdose
Drowning
Suffocation

CPR Definition

How to do CPR

Demonstration

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CPR is artificial respiration and artificial circulation. Artificial respiration provides oxygen to the lungs. Artificial circulation causes blood to flow through the body. The purpose of CPR is to circulate enough oxygenated blood to the brain and other organs to delay damage until either the heart starts beating again, or medical help takes over from you. CPR is most effective when interruptions to chest compressions are minimized.

What to do

CPR for An Adult

Position the chest-Place one hand on the center of the casualty’s chest. Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first and interlock your fingers, but keep your fingers off the casualty’s ribs
Give 30 chest compression-Lean directly over the casualty’s chest and press down vertically at least 2 in (5 cm). Release the pressure, but do not remove your hands. Give 30 compressions at a rate of at least 100 per minute.
Begin Rescue Breath-Pinch the casualty’s nose firmly to close the nostrils, and allow his mouth to fall open. Take a breath and seal your lips over the casualty’s mouth. Blow steadily into the mouth until the chest rises—this should take about one second.
Watch Chest Fall-Maintaining head tilt and chin lift, take your mouth away from the casualty’s. Look along the chest and watch it fall. Repeat to give two rescue breaths. Repeat 30 chest compressions followed by TWO rescue breaths.
Continue CPR-Continue CPR until emergency help arrives, the casualty starts to breathe normally, or you are too exhausted to continue. If you are unwilling or unable to give rescue breaths, you can give chest compressions alone.