CPR Explained
High quality CPR saves lives
High quality CPR is the primary component in influencing survival from cardiac arrest. Every year in France, 40 000 people are victims of cardiac arrest for a survival rate around 7%. In the United States, this number climbs to 500 000 people and less than 15% survive.
Recommended guidelines
High quality CPR adheres to AHA-recommended guidelines:
- Lower half of the sternum (in the centre of the chest)
- Compression depth: between 5 and 6 cm
- After each compression, release the pressure on the chest to allow full chest wall recoil
- Compressions should be delivered at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute
- Minimize interruptions in chest compressions
If the rescuer doesn’t push enough, blood doesn’t reach the brain. The same is true if the rescuer doesn’t push fast enough. Without immediate intervention the brain and vital organs begin to die. Brain damage will start within 4min, and after 10 min the damages become irreversible.
Beginning CPR is the person only chance of survival. Compressions move oxygenated blood to the brain to keep it alive. They allow oxygen to keep moving to the heart muscle itself. This dramatically increases a victim’s chance of survival and reduces the risk of neurological damage.
Don’t give up until an AED is placed on the victim’s chest.
References:
- American Heart Association, “heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest differences”
- Action First Aid.ca
- Fédération Française de la cardiologie