These unnerving instances of sudden cardiac arrest are becoming more prevalent than ever. And the NCRB’s data proves the same as in the last 10 years; from 2012 to 2021, there was a 54% increase in death due to heart attacks. Moreover, it is only in the previous year that 70% of heart attack/cardiac arrest deaths occurred in the 30-60 age group.
The severity of sudden cardiac arrest can be reduced & chances of survival can be increased with appropriate first aid for cardiac arrest at home or anywhere else. But amidst the vast information on the internet, you tend to get all mixed up & puzzled. That’s we are here with an exhaustive list of 4 expert-suggested steps as the first aid for cardiac arrest. Understanding these steps will enable you to take prompt & quick action & save lives.
But before we dive straight into those first-aid steps, let’s provide a clear-cut definition, symptoms, & causes of cardiac arrest.
What is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops functioning & fails to pump out blood to other organs in our body. Now let’s get to a deeper level; the heart gets electrical signals that decide the frequency of the heart’s pumping and its rhythm. And as the heart beats, the blood through the arteries passes to different organs & cells in our body.
Any disturbances in the travelling of these electrical signals cause irregular heartbeats, leading to cardiac arrest. (This disruption in electrical signals resulting in irregular heartbeats is called arrhythmia). Cardiac arrest causes the heart to suddenly stop beating, thus preventing the blood flow throughout the body.
Sudden cardiac arrest is entirely different from a heart attack as it occurs due to the blockage of blood flow in the vessels. This blockage stops the blood from reaching the heart, thus damaging the tissues.
What are the Common Causes of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Here are some reasons why sudden cardiac arrest is becoming so prevalent:
Alcohol or drug abuse.
Hereditary & genetic patterns.
Heart disease.
High blood pressure (excessive sugar consumption)
High cholesterol (excessive oil diets).
Low potassium or magnesium (nutritional deficiency)
Obesity.
Smoking.
Excessive physical workouts.
What are the Common Signs & Symptoms of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Signs & symptoms are notably more important than the definition of a sudden cardiac arrest. Why? You wonder. Well, it’s so because it’s only with the help of these signs & symptoms you’ll be able to identify & make out quickly whether a person has a cardiac arrest. This will also enable adequate cardiac arrest medication for the patient.
The first & the most known sign of cardiac arrest include the sudden loss of consciousness & a detectable heartbeat or pulse. Apart from the loss of consciousness, some people experience other symptoms, such as
Swooning & dizziness
a quick beating of the heart, like a pounding or throbbing
Wrecking chest pain,
Out of breath & air
nausea, with or without vomiting
Increased weakness
More often than not, sudden cardiac arrest occurs without warning.
The 4 Expert Suggested Steps as the First Aid for Cardiac Arrest
Here are some expert suggestions that will allow you to take appropriate measures in a cardiac arrest emergency.
Step 1: Dial up the Emergency Services:-
The first aid for cardiac arrest starts with you calling for emergency medical services. Dial the emergency number (102 or 108) to inform frontline medical staff about the emergency. You must give them the correct information about the situation, the location, and other relevant details. And being quick on your feet will only increase the chances of a patient’s survival in case of cardiac arrest treatment.
Step 2: Check for Responsive Signs:-
The second step helps you understand whether the person is responsive. By shaking the person’s arm or legs and asking loudly, "Are you okay?” you can know whether there is a potential cardiac arrest.
In the meantime, for cardiac arrest supportive therapy, you can loosen any tight clothing around the patient and make them feel reassured & calm about the situation.
Step 3: Initiate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR):-
CPR is a life-saving technique. It helps ease the blood flow & enhances the chances of oxygen getting to the organs in the body. Perform CPR only if a person is not breathing or running out of oxygen.
Lay the person on their back on solid ground.
Slowly put the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest, above the lower half of the breastbone.
Then put the other hand above the first, interlocking your fingers.
Now, with shoulders aligned straight with the interlocked hands, start compressing the person’s chest.
As often said, get to it hard and fast. The prescribed rate of compression is 100-120 compressions per minute. (You must keep a count while exercising CPR)
Keep performing CPR as the emergency treatment for cardiac arrest till help arrives or the person starts to see signs of resuscitation.
Step 4: Use Automated External Defibrillator (AED):-
The fourth first aid for cardiac arrest is the most technical step. Yes, it’s more complicated than CPR, but not if you know it well enough. An AED is a portable device that helps in sending electrical signals to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. Currently, AEDs are only available in specific places like airports & malls. So, if you get your hands on one, turn it on and immediately follow the voice prompts.
After applying the electrode pads, the defibrillator will analyse the heart’s signals and tell you whether the shock needs to be instructed. While this process of examining & analyzing is ongoing, ensure that no one touches the person while the AED analyses the heart rhythm or delivers a shock.
Visit or Call Jain Multispeciality Hospital for the Post-Cardiac Arrest Treatment
We hope that these steps of first aid for cardiac arrest will contribute towards a better outcome of any cardiac arrest emergency. Always remember that after receiving this cardiac arrest supportive therapy, the person needs extensive medical attention as soon as possible. As per the person’s severity, a doctor may recommend surgery, medication, diet, lifestyle changes, or a combination. All in all, it will be a long-term treatment plan that will ensure adequate care for cardiac arrest.
Jain Multispeciality Hospital is equipped with all the necessary equipment & professional healthcare staff to ensure the most effective treatment.
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