Emergency Guide: Performing CPR on an Adult

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical life-saving technique that can make a significant difference in an emergency involving cardiac arrest. By knowing the correct CPR procedure, you can help sustain blood and oxygen flow to vital organs until professional help arrives. In an emergency where an adult’s heart stops, performing CPR can save lives.

This blog provides a detailed guide on CPR for an adult, its steps, the correct CPR compression rate, and when to seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Key symptoms include:

1. Sudden collapse or unresponsiveness.
2. Absence of breathing or abnormal gasping.
3. No detectable pulse.

These signs indicate the need to initiate CPR promptly.

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest can occur due to various underlying conditions, such as:

• Heart Attack: One of the most common causes of cardiac arrest, where a blocked artery prevents blood flow to the heart, leading to its inability to pump effectively.
• Electrocution or Drowning: Both can disrupt the heart's electrical system or oxygen supply, causing irregular heart rhythms or complete stoppage of the heart.
• Respiratory Failure: A prolonged lack of oxygen from conditions like asthma attacks or choking can stress the heart and lead to cardiac arrest.
• Severe Trauma: Significant blood loss, chest injuries, or other physical trauma can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood, triggering cardiac arrest.

Identifying these causes can help prevent cardiac arrest or enable faster intervention.

Step-by-Step Guide: Performing CPR on an Adult

1. Check Responsiveness and Call for Help

• Tap the person and ask loudly if they’re okay.
• If unresponsive, immediately call emergency services at 112 or 108 for an ambulance, and prepare to start CPR. You can call Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital on 020 30717777/020 40707777. We are a renowned emergency care hospital in Pune providing access to specialists equipped to handle critical situations.

2. Position the Person

• Position the Individual: Lay the person flat on their back on a firm, hard surface like the floor. This provides stability and ensures effective chest compressions.
• Open the Airway: Gently tilt the head back by placing one hand on the forehead and lifting the chin with two fingers of the other hand. This maneuver straightens the airway, making it easier for air to pass through during rescue breaths.

3. Start Chest Compressions

• Position the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest (lower half of the breastbone).
• Place the other hand on top, interlock fingers, and use your body weight to compress the chest.
• Push hard and fast at a CPR compression rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Compress the chest about 2 inches deep and allow it to recoil fully between compressions.

4. Provide Rescue Breaths

• After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
• Pinch the person’s nose shut, seal your mouth over theirs, and blow air in for about one second. Watch for chest rise.
• Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.

5. Use an AED (if available)

• Turn on the AED and follow the voice instructions.
• Attach the pads to the person’s chest as directed.
• Deliver a shock if the AED advises, then resume CPR immediately.

6. Continue CPR

Keep performing CPR until professional medical help arrives, the person regains consciousness, or you are physically unable to continue.

When Should CPR Be Stopped?

CPR should only be stopped if:

• The person begins breathing or shows signs of life.
• Emergency personnel take over.
• You are physically exhausted and unable to continue.

How CPR Helps: The Science Behind It

CPR helps maintain circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs. This is essential for reducing the risk of permanent damage or death during cardiac arrest. Chest compressions mimic the heart's pumping action, while rescue breaths provide oxygen.

The Role of an AED in CPR for an Adult

An Automated External Defibrillator is a portable device that checks heart rhythms and can deliver a shock to restore normal rhythm. It is especially effective in sudden cardiac arrests caused by arrhythmias. AEDs provide step-by-step instructions, making them user-friendly for bystanders.

Conclusion

Knowing how to perform CPR can save lives during a cardiac emergency. By understanding the CPR steps, maintaining the correct CPR compression rate, and using an AED effectively, you can increase the chances of survival. Always call emergency services and seek professional care to ensure the best outcome.

FAQs

1. What is the correct CPR technique for an adult?

Perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Ensure a compression rate of 100-120 per minute.

2. What is the correct sequence of CPR for an adult?

Follow the C-A-B sequence: Compressions first, then open the Airway, and provide Breathing (rescue breaths). Minimize pauses between steps for maximum efficiency.

3. What are the emergency procedures for CPR?

Check responsiveness, call for help, start chest compressions, provide rescue breaths, and use an AED if available.

References:

American Heart Association. CPR & First Aid [Internet]. Available from: https://cpr.heart.org

Mayo Clinic. CPR: First aid for cardiac arrest [Internet]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cpr/about/pac-20385282

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public Health Matters: CPR saves lives [Internet]. 2020 Jun. Available from: https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2020/06/cpr/

StatPearls. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470402/