What You Need to Do Before an Ambulance Arrives
Posted on 16th November 2024 at 09:06
When someone suddenly collapses the minutes that follow are critical. Cardiac arrest can strike without warning leaving the heart unable to pump blood which stops oxygen from reaching the brain and other organs.
That’s where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) comes in. CPR keeps blood and oxygen circulating improving the casualty's chance of survival until emergency services arrive. If you’re new to first aid, this guide walks you through the most crucial steps. And remember, even basic first aid can potentially make a huge difference.
First, let's understand the basics. When you suspect a cardiac arrest, think D R A B C – Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, the steps of a primary survey. This sequence will guide you, from assessing a situation and checking the scene for danger, to starting compressions. If you want to improve your skills, consider taking a first aid training course with First Aid Safety. There’s no replacement for hands-on learning when it comes to saving lives.
Spotting the Signs of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is serious – the person’s heart has stopped, meaning oxygenated blood is not circulating to the vital organs in the body. This is where every second counts. Here are the signs to look for:
1. Unresponsiveness – The person doesn’t respond when you speak to them or tap them gently.
2. Abnormal Breathing – Sometimes the person might gasp or have strange irregular breathing sounds known as agonal gasps or breathing.
3. Seizure-like Movements – In some cases, cardiac arrest can cause seizure-like jerks. If this happens, wait a moment and check if they’re still unresponsive once the movement stops.
If they’re showing any of these signs, act fast. Time is critical here and even if you’re unsure, it’s better to commence CPR than wait.
Step-by-Step Guide to CPR: The D R A B C Method
Following the DRABC method keeps things simple and systematic, so you don’t skip essential steps. Let’s go through each step in detail.
1. D - Danger
Before you do anything quickly look around to make sure the scene is safe. Depending on the situation you are in, hazards could include broken glass, wet floor or electrical cables that could potentially cause you, the casualty or others around you harm. You want to make sure to remove any risk of injury to you, the casualty, or anyone nearby. It’s basic but crucial – if the environment isn’t safe, it’s time to move yourself and the casualty if possible.
2. R - Response
Next, check if the person is responsive. Approach the casualty, give them a gentle tap on the shoulders and ask, “Are you alright?” You’re looking for any kind of response – movement, eye-opening or responding to voice. If there’s no response it’s time to act.
If others are nearby, call to get help. Ask someone to call 999 and grab an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if there’s one nearby.
AEDs are often found in public places like shopping centres, airports, or offices. If you’re alone, call emergency services yourself, putting your phone on speaker mode so you can keep working.
3. A - Airway
With the person lying on their back, open their airway. This part is simple:
● Place one hand on their forehead.
● Use your other hand to lift their chin gently by placing two fingers under it and tilting their head back slightly.
This “head tilt-chin lift” lifts the tongue off the back of the casualty's throat and should clear the airway. This step is critical because it sets the stage for the next part – checking for breathing.
4. B - Breathing
Now that their airway is open, check if they’re breathing normally. This only takes about 10 seconds:
1. Look for movement in their chest.
2. Listen for breathing sounds by placing your ear close to their mouth.
3. Feel for their breath on your cheek.
If they’re not breathing or it’s irregular (like gasping or slow breaths), you need to start CPR. Remember it’s better to act than hesitate especially if you’re unsure.
5. C - Circulation
Circulation in CPR means keeping blood moving throughout the body using chest compressions. Once you’ve established that they’re not breathing normally it’s time to start CPR. CPR consists of chest compressions to keep blood flowing and rescue breaths to supply oxygen.
Starting Chest Compressions
1. Kneel beside the person so you’re close to their chest.
2. Place the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest at the lower half of the sternum.
3. Place your other hand on top interlocking your fingers.
4. Make sure your shoulders are directly over your hands so you can press straight down.
5. Push down about 5-6 cm (2 inches) into their chest allowing the chest to rise fully before pressing again.
Aim for a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute about two compressions per second.
Giving Rescue Breaths
After 30 compressions give 2 rescue breaths to oxygenate the blood:
1. Keep their airway open by holding their head in the tilted-back position.
2. Pinch their nose shut and make a tight seal with your mouth over the casualty's mouth.
3. Breathe into the casualty's mouth for approximately one second – their chest should rise if the breath goes in.
4. Release and let the chest fall.
5. Give a second breath.
If the chest doesn’t rise, adjust the head tilt and try again. Repeat this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths, known as the 30:2 ratio. This combination helps circulate oxygen-rich blood to vital organs until emergency help arrives. If you’re uncomfortable giving rescue breaths, hands-only chest compressions are still very beneficial and recommended rather than doing nothing.
Using an AED
If an AED arrives, use it as soon as possible. AEDs are made to be easy to use with voice prompts guiding you step by step. Here’s a quick rundown:
1. Turn on the AED – It will begin giving instructions.
2. Apply the pads to the casualty’s bare chest as directed – usually one below the right collarbone and one on the lower ribs of the left side of the chest.
3. The AED will analyse the heart rhythm and advise if a shock is needed.
4. Deliver the shock if prompted making sure no one is touching the casualty.
5. Continue CPR as directed by the AED or until emergency services arrive.
AEDs significantly increase survival rates when used quickly. They’re designed to make the process as simple as possible making it easy to follow the prompts and provide effective CPR.
When to Stop CPR
CPR can be exhausting, but it’s important to keep going until:
● An AED prompts you to stop, or a health professional takes over.
● The person begins to show signs of life, like breathing, coughing, or moving.
● You’re too exhausted to continue and there’s no one else to take over.
Knowing when to stop can be tough especially if there’s no visible response. However, remember that every cycle of CPR increases the chance of survival even if it feels like no progress is being made.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Calm
CPR is straightforward and can be effective in a real emergency, it’s all about taking action quickly and confidently. The most important thing is to act – starting CPR early can improve a person’s chance of survival. Following the D R A B C steps keeps you focused and ensures you cover each part in the right order.
If you want to get hands-on practice consider a first aid course with First Aid Safety. Nothing beats real training to build your confidence and skills. You can also check out the NHS CPR guide for additional information.
By knowing CPR, you’re preparing yourself to make a real difference in an emergency. And remember, you don’t need to be perfect – you just need to act.
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