Sudden cardiac arrest is a dangerous emergency that can occur at any time. In this case, chest compressions play a crucial role in maintaining blood circulation and limiting brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.
Therefore, chest compressions—a technique in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)—are considered a crucial first aid measure to maintain the victim's life until medical personnel arrive.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), chest compressions help maintain blood circulation temporarily when the heart stops beating, thereby providing oxygen to the brain and vital organs. If performed within the first few minutes after cardiac arrest, this technique can significantly increase the chances of survival.
External chest compressions help maintain blood circulation temporarily when the heart stops beating, thereby providing oxygen to the brain and vital organs. Illustration: AI
Dr. Gordon Ewy, a cardiologist at the University of Arizona's Savver Heart Center (USA), says that continuous and proper chest compressions can play a crucial role in saving a patient's life. He emphasizes that the first responder should place both hands on top of each other in the middle of the victim's chest and use force from the shoulders to press straight down into the rib cage to a depth of about 5-6 cm.
Experts recommend maintaining a chest compression rate of approximately 100-120 times per minute. Even if the rescuer is not trained in mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, continuous chest compressions (hands-only CPR) can still help maintain blood circulation and improve the victim's chances of survival.
According to doctors, chest compressions are a simple first aid technique that can save many lives in emergency situations. Disseminating this knowledge within the community will help more people feel confident in assisting victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
External chest compression
- Kneel beside the patient, placing the palm of your hand on the lower left third of the patient's sternum.
- Place one hand on the center of the patient's chest. Then place the other hand on top of it, fingers interlocking. While performing chest compressions, keep your shoulders aligned directly above your hands to concentrate pressure on the chest.
- Note the chest compression location: the middle half of the sternum or the point where the nipples meet the sternum. The patient needs to lie on a firm surface for effective chest compressions.
- Using your body weight (not just your arms), press down straight down on the patient's chest for 5-6 cm.
- Keep your hands on the patient's chest, release the pressure, and allow their chest to return to its original position.
- Repeat these compressions at a rate of 100-120 times per minute until the ambulance arrives, or for as long as possible.