Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Essentials

Understanding CPR and Its Purpose

Efforts to Maintain Cerebral Perfusion

• Cardiac Arrest: Occurs when the heart ceases to beat; it is essential to recognize and act quickly.
• Objective: Replicate heart function to ensure oxygen flow to the brain.
• CPR Technique: Involves chest compressions to pump blood through the circulatory system.

Recognizing Cardiac Arrest

Identifying Unresponsiveness and Abnormal Breathing

• Signs of Cardiac Arrest: May include seizure-like movements, incomprehensible sounds, and initial eye opening.
• Breathing Patterns: Breathing may continue but become irregular and agonal gasps, often mistaken for normal breathing.
• Confirmation: Verify unresponsiveness and absence of normal breathing through stimulation and assessment.

Starting Chest Compressions

Effective Chest Compression Technique

• Positioning: Ensure proper alignment for efficient chest compressions.
• Technique: Use interlocked fingers to compress the lower half of the sternum at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Efficiency: Maintain an ideal position to prevent fatigue and ensure effective compression depth.

Compressions and Ventilations

Proper Sequence and Considerations

• CPR Sequence: Begin with 30 compressions followed by two ventilations if necessary.
• Ventilations: Not always essential for adult cardiac arrest; focus on compressions that circulate available oxygen.
• Effort Continuation: Despite fatigue, maintain uninterrupted chest compressions to sustain perfusion pressure.

Calling for Help

Seeking Assistance During CPR

• Lonely Rescuer: If alone, call for help and continue CPR until additional assistance arrives.
• Hospital Setting: Activate the crash team and continue 30 compressions to two ventilations.