What is a cardiac arrest?
A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, leading to a lack of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action.
Why is it important to be prepared for a cardiac arrest at home?
Did you know that over 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home? This statistic highlights the importance of being prepared for such an event, especially in the comfort of your own home where you spend a significant amount of time.
What can you do to be prepared?
1. Learn CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial skill that can save lives during a cardiac arrest. Enroll in a CPR course to learn the proper techniques and procedures.
2. Have an AED: An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary. Keep an AED in your home and make sure it is easily accessible.
3. Create an emergency plan: Discuss with your family members or housemates what to do in case of a cardiac arrest. Assign roles and responsibilities, and make sure everyone knows how to call emergency services.
4. Know the warning signs: Familiarize yourself with the common symptoms of a heart attack, as it can sometimes precede a cardiac arrest. These symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
5. Keep emergency numbers handy: Have a list of emergency contact numbers, including the local emergency services and your healthcare provider, near your phone or in a visible location.
What should you do during a cardiac arrest?
1. Call for help: Dial emergency services immediately. The sooner professional help arrives, the better the chances of survival.
2. Start CPR: Begin performing CPR by giving chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest, allowing it to fully recoil between compressions.
3. Use an AED: If an AED is available, follow the instructions provided. Apply the pads to the person's bare chest and let the AED analyze the heart rhythm. If a shock is advised, make sure no one is touching the person and press the shock button as instructed.
4. Continue until help arrives: Keep performing CPR and using the AED until emergency medical services arrive and take over.
Conclusion
Being prepared for a cardiac arrest at home can make a significant difference in saving a life. By learning CPR, having an AED, creating an emergency plan, knowing the warning signs, and keeping emergency numbers handy, you can be ready to take action in a critical situation. Remember, every second counts during a cardiac arrest, so be prepared and be a lifesaver.
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Shout for help, and shake the person gently.
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Look and listen for signs of normal breathing.
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Call (000) on loudspeaker and tell them the person isn’t breathing. The ambulance call handler will tell you where the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) is. If someone is with you, ask them to fetch it and bring it back.
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Interlock your fingers and start chest compressions twice per second. Don’t stop.
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If a defibrillator arrives, switch it on and follow the instructions.
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Continue CPR until: - the AED asks you to pause while it reanalyses and gives another shock if needed - a paramedic arrives and tells you what to do - the person shows signs of life.