Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It leads to the cessation of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, causing loss of consciousness and, without immediate intervention, can result in death within minutes. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, with a survival rate of less than 12%. Given these grim statistics, understanding what to do during a cardiac arrest can make the difference between life and death.
Recognizing Cardiac Arrest
The first and most crucial step in responding to cardiac arrest is recognizing the signs. Cardiac arrest is characterized by:
1. Sudden Collapse: The individual may suddenly collapse or lose consciousness.
2. No Breathing or Gasping: The person will not be breathing normally or may exhibit agonal gasps, which are irregular, gasping breaths.
3. No Pulse: There will be no detectable pulse or heartbeat.
It’s essential to differentiate cardiac arrest from a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, but the heart usually continues to beat. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is when the heart stops altogether.
Immediate Actions to Take
Once cardiac arrest is recognized, time is of the essence. Every minute that passes without intervention decreases the chances of survival by 7-10%. Here’s what to do:
1. Call for Emergency Medical Help
The very first step is to call for emergency medical services (EMS). In most places, this is done by dialing 911 or the local emergency number. Be sure to provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, including the location, the nature of the emergency, and any other relevant details.
2. Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical lifesaving technique that keeps blood and oxygen circulating in the body until professional help arrives. The current guidelines recommend the following steps:
A. Chest Compressions:
- Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest and place your other hand on top.
- Push hard and fast, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. The depth of each compression should be about 2 inches (5 cm) in adults.
- Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions but avoid lifting your hands off the chest.
B. Rescue Breaths (Optional for untrained individuals; focus on compressions):
- After every 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
- Tilt the person’s head back slightly to open the airway.
- Pinch the nose shut and cover their mouth with yours, giving a breath until you see the chest rise.
- If you are untrained, or unsure about giving breaths, continue with chest compressions alone.
3. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. AEDs are designed to be user-friendly and can be found in many public places, such as airports, shopping malls, and gyms. The steps to use an AED are:
A. Turn on the AED:
- The device will give you voice prompts. Follow these instructions carefully.
B. Attach the Pads:
- Place the adhesive pads on the person’s bare chest as shown in the diagram on the AED or on the pads themselves.
C. Analyze the Heart Rhythm:
- Ensure no one is touching the person and press the “analyze” button. The AED will automatically check the heart rhythm.
D. Deliver a Shock if Instructed:
- If the AED advises a shock, ensure no one is touching the person and press the “shock” button.
E. Resume CPR:
- Immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions. Continue to follow the AED’s prompts until emergency personnel arrive or the person begins to show signs of life.
4. Continue Until Help Arrives
CPR and AED use should be continued until one of the following occurs:
- The person shows signs of life (e.g., begins breathing, moving).
- EMS or another trained responder arrives and takes over.
- You are too exhausted to continue.
- A valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is presented.
5. Post-Resuscitation Care
If the person regains consciousness before EMS arrives, it is vital to monitor them closely. They may be disoriented or weak. Keep them calm and comfortable and be ready to continue CPR if they lapse back into unconsciousness.
Preventive Measures and Awareness
While the focus here is on what to do during a cardiac arrest, it’s equally important to emphasize prevention. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and controlling conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
Additionally, being trained in CPR and AED use can empower individuals to act swiftly and confidently in emergencies. Community programs often offer training, and some even provide certifications.
At Zymus Hospital, we are dedicated to improving heart health and emergency response preparedness in our community. We encourage everyone to learn CPR and AED use, as these skills are invaluable in saving lives. Our facilities are equipped with the latest technology, and our staff is trained to handle cardiac emergencies with the utmost expertise.
