Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a medical emergency that can happen to anyone, at any time. It is a condition where the heart suddenly stops beating, usually due to an electrical problem in the heart. If not treated immediately, SCA can lead to death within minutes. This article provides essential instructions for administering first aid in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, using simple English and clear steps.
Recognizing Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Signs to Look For
- Sudden collapse: The person suddenly falls to the ground without warning.
- No breathing or only gasping: The person may not be breathing normally or may only be gasping.
- No pulse: You cannot feel a pulse in the person’s neck or wrist.
What to Do
- Call for Help: If you see someone collapse and you are alone, call emergency services immediately. If someone is with you, have them call while you begin first aid.
- Shout to the Person: Try to get their attention by shouting or tapping them on the shoulder.
- Check for Responsiveness: Gently shake the person and shout their name to see if they respond.
Administering First Aid
Checking for Breathing
- Open the Person’s Airway: Tilt their head back slightly and lift their chin to open the airway.
- Check for Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for at least 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing normally or not breathing at all, proceed to CPR.
Performing CPR
- Place Hands: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, between the nipples.
- Position the Other Hand: Place the other hand on top of the first hand, interlocking your fingers.
- Compress the Chest: Keep your elbows straight and press down hard and fast at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Compress the chest about 2 inches deep.
- Allow Chest to Rise: Allow the chest to rise completely between compressions.
- Continue CPR: Continue performing CPR until emergency medical personnel arrive or the person starts breathing normally.
Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Turn on the AED: Follow the prompts on the device.
- Attach the Pads: Place the pads on the person’s bare chest as directed by the AED.
- Listen to Instructions: Follow the voice prompts of the AED.
- Deliver a Shock: If the AED advises to deliver a shock, stand back and clear the area before the shock is delivered.
- Continue CPR: After the shock, continue CPR until emergency medical personnel arrive or the person starts breathing normally.
Additional Instructions
Keeping the Person Safe
- Protect the Person: Move the person to a safe, flat surface.
- Keep the Person Warm: Cover the person with a blanket to keep them warm.
Waiting for Emergency Services
- Stay with the Person: Stay with the person until emergency medical personnel arrive.
- Do Not Leave the Person Alone: It is important to keep the person with you until help arrives.
Aftercare
- Monitor the Person: Keep an eye on the person’s breathing and pulse.
- Do Not Give Food or Drink: Do not give the person anything to eat or drink until they are fully awake and alert.
By following these essential instructions, you can help save a life in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Remember, early CPR can double or triple a person’s chances of survival.