Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

 

When a person suffers cardiac arrest, every passing minute without restoring a regular heartbeat reduces survival chances by 7% to 10%. Immediate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) coupled with AED (automated external defibrillator) usage can potentially double or even triple a person's chances of survival. 

What is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?

 

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical emergency procedure performed to potentially rescue an individual's life when their heart and/or breathing stops (cardiac arrest).

 

During a cardiac arrest episode happens, the person's heart ceases its normal beating, resulting in the inability to supply blood to vital organs such as the brain and lungs. Without immediate intervention, the person could die.

CPR involves chest compressions that simulate the heart's pumping action, effectively sustaining blood circulation throughout the body. Good and effective chest compressions play a pivotal role in maintaining blood flow and enhancing the likelihood of survival during cardiac arrest.

Watch the following video to understand how does CPR provide the chance of survival while waiting for an automated external defibrillator (AED) to arrive.

 

 

What is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

 

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a user-friendly portable medical device engineered to aid individuals facing sudden cardiac arrest. Capable of analyzing the heart's rhythm, it can deliver an electrical shock (defibrillation) if necessary, to help restore a normal and effective heartbeat. AEDs are indispensable lifesaving tools, playing a pivotal role in addressing cardiac arrest.

 

Next time you visit shopping malls or any buildings with throngs of people, take a moment to locate the AED. It could prove invaluable during emergencies.

How to conduct CPR for adults?

Remember D.R.C.A.B

 

1. Check the surroundings of the victim. Remove danger (D).

 

2. Check for response (R). Tap the victim's shoulder and call loudly, "Are you okay?" to check for response if the person is breathing / not breathing.

 

3. If there is no response, shout for help, call 999, and get someone to retrieve an AED. This is why you need to know where the AED is located.

 

4. Start chest compression (C).

• Position the heel of one hand in the center of the person's chest, directly over the sternum (breastbone) and between the nipples.
• Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand, interlacing the fingers of your top hand with the fingers of the bottom hand. Ensure that your shoulders are directly above your hands.
• Start pushing down firmly (5 to 6 cm), using the weight of your body. Keep your arms straight during the compressions.
• Repeat the compressions continuously to achieve 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Do not stop compressions for more than 10 seconds. 

 

5. Tilt head, lift chin to open airway (A).

6. Use CPR mask to give 2 successive breath blows to the victim.

 

7. Continue CPR until the victim starts breathing (B) again.

8. When the AED arrives, follow the guided instruction while continue to administer CPR to the victim until the ambulance arrives.

Remember: Attend CPR and AED trainings when they are available. For example: Basic Occupational, First Aid, CPR & AED Training.

 

Keep in mind, in critical moments, your knowledge and swift action can significantly impact saving lives.