Glossary
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is a life-saving emergency procedure that is performed when a person's heart stops beating or when they stop breathing. It involves a combination of chest compressions and artificial ventilation to maintain circulatory flow and oxygenation during cardiac arrest. CPR is a crucial step in the chain of survival, and it can increase the likelihood of survival after cardiac arrest.CPR is based on the principle that the circulation of oxygenated blood is essential for life.
The human heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body and delivering oxygen to all the cells. When the heart stops beating, the cells are deprived of oxygen, leading to cell death and ultimately, organ failure. The brain cells are particularly sensitive to lack of oxygen and can start dying within five minutes after the oxygen supply is cut off. By performing CPR, one can manually pump the heart to maintain the circulation of blood, thereby delivering oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.
The term "cardiopulmonary" refers to the heart (cardio) and the lungs (pulmonary). The heart and lungs work together to deliver oxygen to the body's cells and remove carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism. When the heart or lungs fail to function properly, the body's cells are deprived of oxygen, leading to cell death and organ failure. CPR is designed to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs, maintaining the circulation of oxygenated blood until medical help arrives.
CPR involves two main components: chest compressions and rescue breaths. Chest compressions are performed by placing the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest and pressing down hard and fast, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. This helps to pump blood to the brain and other vital organs. Rescue breaths are given to provide oxygen to the lungs. This is done by tilting the person's head back, pinching the nose shut, and breathing into the person's mouth.CPR can be performed by anyone who is trained to do so. It is important to start CPR as soon as possible after cardiac arrest. Every minute that passes without CPR reduces the chance of survival by 7-10%. However, CPR is not a cure for cardiac arrest. It is a temporary measure used to keep the person alive until defibrillation can be performed.
Defibrillation is the process of delivering an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.CPR is a critical skill that everyone should learn. It can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. However, it is important to note that performing CPR can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging. It requires strength to perform chest compressions and the ability to remain calm under pressure. It is also important to remember that not all cardiac arrest victims will survive, even with immediate and effective CPR. However, without CPR, the chances of survival are almost zero.
In conclusion, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR is a vital emergency procedure that involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain the circulation of oxygenated blood when the heart stops beating. It is a temporary measure used to keep the person alive until medical help arrives. CPR is a critical skill that everyone should learn, as it can increase the likelihood of survival after cardiac arrest.