In our daily lives, we may rarely think about heart breaks, but it is an extremely serious and possibly sudden health crisis. Cardiac arrest means a sudden stop in the heart, leading to a halt in the circulation of blood and a lack of access to oxygen and nutrients for the various organs of the body. If rescue is not carried out in a timely manner, a cardiac arrest may cause the patient ‘ s death within a few minutes. Therefore, knowledge about cardiac arrest is essential for everyone.
I. Causes of cardiac arrest
Cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, are the most common causes of cardiac arrest. In addition, other factors such as severe electrolyte disorders, drug poisoning, drowning, electrocution, asphyxiation, etc. may also cause cardiac arrest. In any case, the heart stoppage caused by any cause requires our utmost attention, because every second delay may mean the passing of life.
II. Symptoms of cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest often occurs very suddenly, and patients may lose consciousness, stop breathing and lose their pulse in a short period of time. If a person is found to be on the ground suddenly and without consciousness or breath, there should be an immediate suspicion that the heart has stopped and prompt first aid measures are taken.
III. First aid for cardiac arrest – CPR
Timely CPR is key to saving lives when people experience heart failure. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation includes both chest pressure and artificial respiration.
1. Out of chest pressure: Rapidly lay the patient on a hard plane, untie the collar and belt and expose the chest. Aim for the pressure level: the mid-point of the two nipples line (one third of the lower part of the rib). Put your hands to the chest of the patient, overlap your hands, cross your fingers, stretch your arms straight and lean with the upper half. Directly presses down, presses 5-6 cm pressure depth and presses 100-120 times/minute.
2. Artificial respiration: Keep the patient ‘ s aerobics open and remove oral foreign and vomit. Squeeze the patient’s nose with a thumb and an index finger, cover the patient’s mouth with a mouth, breathe slowly, for about one second at a time, and see if the patient’s chest is up and down. For each 30 out-of- chest pressure and 2 artificial respirations, this is repeated until the specialist first aid arrives or the patient recovers his or her own breathing and heartbeat.
Use of defibrillators (AED)
The defibrillator is a device capable of electroshocking the heart and restoring its rhythm. The use of defibrillators in first aid for cardiac arrest can significantly improve the survival of patients. If defibrillators are provided in public places or in medical institutions, they should be removed as soon as possible and operated in accordance with the instructions of the equipment.
V. Prevention of cardiac arrest
While the occurrence of cardiac arrest is often unpredictable, we can reduce the risk of its occurrence through a number of measures.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as balanced diet, adequate exercise, cessation of alcohol and weight control.
2. Actively treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, etc., on time and with regular review.
3. Avoid overwork and stress and maintain a good mind.
Be safe from accidents such as electrocution, drowning and asphyxiation.
In short, cardiac arrest is an extremely dangerous disease, but it is possible to save patients ‘ lives if we are able to detect and take the right first aid in time. Therefore, each and every one of us should know the relevant knowledge of cardiac arrest and the methods of CPR and defibrillator use in order to be able to reach out at critical moments and buy precious time for life. At the same time, we must also focus on preventing cardiac arrest, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and caring for the health of our own and others ‘ hearts.
Let’s work together to protect our lives and stop the heart from becoming the end of life!
Cardiac arrest, heart arrest and CPR resuscitation.
