What is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when someone’s heartbeat or breathing stops. CPR is critical in situations such as heart attacks, drowning, or severe accidents that lead to cardiac arrest. The primary goal of CPR is to restore partial flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart, which helps delay tissue death and extend the window of opportunity for a successful resuscitation without permanent brain damage.

Let’s explore CPR in more depth—its history, significance, procedure, and why it’s an essential skill for everyone to learn.

The Importance of CPR

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death globally. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting, and the majority of them don’t survive. A key factor in survival is the immediate provision of CPR. When performed in the crucial first few minutes, CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.

Brain cells begin to die within minutes of oxygen deprivation. Without intervention, irreversible brain damage can occur within four to six minutes, and death shortly thereafter. By manually compressing the chest and providing rescue breaths, CPR helps maintain blood flow and oxygenation, buying critical time until professional medical help arrives or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be used.

A Brief History of CPR

The roots of CPR can be traced back to the 18th century, with methods to treat drowning victims that included chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. However, modern CPR as we know it today was developed in the early 1960s by doctors James Elam and Peter Safar, who demonstrated that mouth-to-mouth could be effective in resuscitating patients.

In 1960, Dr. Kouwenhoven, Dr. Knickerbocker, and Dr. Jude created the concept of chest compressions, laying the foundation for modern CPR. Since then, CPR techniques have been fine-tuned, and its implementation has saved millions of lives worldwide.

When is CPR Needed?

CPR is needed in any situation where a person’s heart has stopped beating (cardiac arrest) or their breathing has stopped. Situations that could result in such emergencies include:

• Heart attack: When blood flow to the heart is blocked, a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest if untreated.
• Drowning: Water obstructs breathing, and the person can lose consciousness, leading to cardiac arrest.
• Choking: A blocked airway can cause oxygen deprivation, requiring immediate intervention.
• Drug overdose: Certain drugs, particularly opioids, can slow or stop breathing, leading to cardiac arrest.
• Severe trauma: Car accidents or falls can cause shock and cardiac arrest.

Recognizing these emergencies is crucial for determining when to start CPR.

The Science Behind CPR

CPR works by manually compressing the chest to keep blood circulating when the heart has stopped. The human body needs oxygen to survive, and when the heart stops, oxygen-rich blood ceases to circulate to vital organs, including the brain. Without oxygen, brain damage begins quickly, and death follows shortly thereafter.

Chest compressions act as an artificial pump for the heart, ensuring that blood continues to flow to the brain and other organs. Rescue breaths provide oxygen to the lungs, which is then circulated through the body with the compressions. CPR doesn’t restart the heart but serves to maintain circulation and breathing until advanced medical care can take over or an AED is used to deliver a shock to restart the heart.

The Basic CPR Process: Step-by-Step

There are two primary types of CPR: hands-only CPR and traditional CPR with rescue breaths. Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Hands-Only CPR (For Untrained Rescuers)

Hands-only CPR is a simple and effective approach recommended for individuals who are not trained in full CPR or are not confident in providing rescue breaths.

Steps:

• Call for help: Dial emergency services or ask someone nearby to do so. Early professional intervention is key.
• Start chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest, place your other hand on top, and interlock your fingers. Push hard and fast—at least 2 inches deep and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Use the rhythm of a song like “Stayin’ Alive” to maintain the tempo.
• Continue until help arrives: Keep compressing the chest until medical professionals arrive or an AED is available.

Hands-only CPR is highly effective in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest and is an excellent option for bystanders who may feel hesitant to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

2. CPR with Rescue Breaths (For Trained Individuals)

Traditional CPR includes both chest compressions and rescue breaths and is recommended for those trained in the technique.

Steps:

• Assess the situation: Ensure the person is unconscious and not breathing. Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?” If they don’t respond and show no signs of breathing or only gasping, proceed with CPR.
• Call emergency services: Ensure help is on the way by dialing emergency services.
• Open the airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway.
• Start compressions: Provide 30 chest compressions, pushing down at least 2 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• Give rescue breaths: After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Pinch the person’s nose, cover their mouth with yours, and blow until you see the chest rise. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again.
• Repeat the cycle: Continue alternating between 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or an AED is available.

The Role of AEDs in CPR

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a device designed to detect the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electric shock if needed to restart the heart. AEDs are commonly found in public places like airports, schools, and shopping centers.

When using an AED:

1. Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.
2. Attach the electrode pads to the person’s chest as directed.
3. Let the AED analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a shock.

AEDs significantly improve the chances of survival when used in conjunction with CPR. Ideally, an AED should be used as soon as possible after cardiac arrest.

Why Learning CPR is Important

CPR is a simple yet powerful skill that can mean the difference between life and death. By learning CPR, you can act quickly in an emergency, increasing a person’s chance of survival until medical professionals arrive. Here are a few reasons why everyone should learn CPR:

• Saving lives: Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere, anytime. Immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival.
• Increasing bystander intervention: Often, people hesitate to help because they don’t know CPR. Learning the technique empowers individuals to act confidently in emergencies.
• It’s accessible: CPR courses are widely available through organizations like the Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and local health agencies.

Conclusion

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a critical life-saving technique that can be performed by anyone in emergencies where a person’s heart or breathing has stopped. Whether through hands-only CPR or full CPR with rescue breaths, early intervention can prevent brain damage and increase the chances of survival. Learning CPR is a responsibility that can equip you to respond effectively during life-threatening situations and be a part of the community’s safety net.

If you haven’t learned CPR, consider taking a course today—it might one day save a life.