As the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest continues to climb among Americans, the need to learn and be able to efficiently perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by the layperson becomes increasingly important.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed in an efficient manner is intended to introduce oxygen into the circulatory system via the lungs and then to assist the heart in transporting said oxygenated blood to the major organs of the body, specifically the brain.
This goal is met when a rescue person combines rescue breathing with chest compressions on a victim that is without a pulse and is not breathing on their own.
While this action alone does not "bring someone back", it can indeed extend the amount of time a victim has until normal heart and lung function can be returned.
It has been documented that the human brain can withstand up to four minutes without oxygen before permanent damage occurs.
Unfortunately, paramedics, first responders or EMS takes a minimum of six minutes to respond to a call.
While this is a minute amount of time, it is too long for the brain to go without oxygen.
If one is able to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately upon collapse, there is little interruption in the blood flow to vital organs.
These facts just reiterate the importance of taking classes and obtaining certification in CPR.
The sooner one begins the resuscitation process the better the survival rate becomes.
Red Cross offers free training online for those interested in learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and having the necessary skill needed if faced with this type of situation.
Interesting statistics have shown that CPR is more likely to be attempted on children and infants over adults.
While speculation into the why is often discussed, understanding the differences in how to perform resuscitation for an adult versus a child or infant is paramount.
The American Heart Association outlines specific guidelines for adults (eight years old and older) and the critical differences seen in child/infant CPR.
Moreover, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation has been a deterrent to those expected to initiate action.
This hesitation (along with the scare of infectious transmission) brought about the invention of the pocket mask.
Intended to be placed on the face, covering the mouth and nose, it can then provide a barrier between the victim and the rescuer.
To gain complete understanding and education in this important and critical area of basic life support, it is recommended that everyone take a class in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.