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CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION   CARDIO

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the technique of rescue breathing combined with chest compressions. The purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is to temporarily maintain a circulation sufficient to preserve brain function until specialized treatment is available. Victims requiring chest compressions should be placed supine on a firm surface (e.g. backboard or floor) before chest compressions to optimize the effectiveness of compressions. Compressions should be rhythmic with equal time for compression and relaxation. The rescuer must avoid either rocking backwards and forwards, or using thumps or quick jabs. Rescuers should allow complete recoil of the chest after each compression.

Recognition for the need of chest compressions - CPR

Signs of Life

Rescuers should start chest compressions if the victim has no signs of life.
These are observed when the victim is: 

unconscious

unresponsive

not moving

not breathing normally

Rate of chest compressions

Rescuers should perform chest compressions for all ages at a rate of approximately 100 compressions per minute (almost 2 compression/second). This does not imply that 100 compressions will be delivered each minute since the number will be reduced by interruptions for breaths given by rescue breathing.

Locating the site of the chest compressions 

There is insufficient evidence for or against a specific hand position for chest compressions during CPR in adults. The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends the lower half of the sternum as the compression point in all age groups.
 

Depth of compression

The lower half of the sternum should be depressed by one third of the depth of the chest with each compression. This equates to at least 4-5cm in adults.

Compression ventilation ratio

A universal compression-ventilation ratio of 2:30 (2 breaths and 30 ventilations) is recommended for all ages. Compressions must be paused to allow for ventilations

Children and Infants

Defibrillation

When a person suffers a cardiac arrest the heart can fall to beat properly and go into ventricular fibrillation. This results in a very fast heart beat with no time for compression of the heart. The volume of blood ejected from the heart is severely compromised and oxygen supply to the cells of the body slows down. The brain will cease to function without a good supply of oxygen and it is vital that the correct rhythm of the heart is restored as soon as possible. This is  achieved by delivery a small electrical shock to the heart via a defibrillator. A defibrillator should be used whenever it is available and as soon as CPR has been commenced. When the pads are placed on the patient the AED will determine whether a shock is required. The patient should be placed on a dry surface and you must not be in contact with the patient.

When to stop CPR

• Casualty starts breathing again by themself

• Medical aid arrives and tells you to stop CPR

• It is too dangerous to continue