Knowing when to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is crucial as it can be the first line of defense in maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation in someone experiencing a cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. If you know how to look for signs that someone needs CPR, you can cut out the speculation and respond quickly. In this article, we will explore the key situations when CPR should be administered and the importance of timely action in saving lives. As a rule of thumb after 4 minutes of rescue breathing if there is no pulse you should being CPR
Breathing and pulse are the two critical factors in determining whether someone needs CPR. If a person isn’t breathing or doesn’t have a pulse, you need to perform CPR immediately. Here are the situations where a victim might need CPR:
- When someone is unconscious
- Cardiac arrest
- Choking
- Electrocution
- Drowning
- Drug Overdose
- Suffocation
1. When someone is unconscious
When a patient is unconscious and non-responsive, CPR should be performed immediately. If you see an unconscious victim, try to wake the victim. If unsuccessful, check if the victim is breathing normally or has a pulse. If there’s no pulse, the victim’s heart may have stopped. The American Heart Association and Emergency Cardiovascular Care recommend that you begin CPR if the person is unresponsive. If their condition becomes unstable because you did not intervene, the victim may lose control of their breathing.
2. Cardiac Arrest
The most common scenario in which CPR is needed is during a cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. This can happen due to various reasons, including a heart attack, arrhythmia, or other heart-related issues. When someone experiences cardiac arrest, their breathing will cease, and they will lose consciousness. In this situation, immediate CPR is crucial to maintain blood flow to the vital organs until professional medical help arrives.
3. Choking
Choking is a life-threatening emergency that can occur when an object obstructs the airway, preventing air flow into the lungs. In cases of severe choking, the person may become unconscious. If this happens, it is crucial to perform CPR immediately to maintain blood flow and oxygenation. However, it is essential to perform a quick check to ensure that there is no pulse before initiating CPR in a choking victim.
4. Electrocution
Electrocution can disrupt the heart's electrical system, leading to cardiac arrest. If someone is electrocuted and becomes unresponsive or loses consciousness, begin CPR immediately. It is important to ensure the safety of both the victim and the rescuer before administering CPR, especially in cases involving electrical hazards.
5. Drowning
Drowning is another situation where CPR should be administered promptly. When a person is submerged in water and unable to breathe, their oxygen levels rapidly decrease, which can lead to cardiac arrest. After pulling the victim out of the water, it is essential to start CPR if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing. CPR can help restore oxygen circulation to the body, increasing the chances of survival until advanced medical assistance arrives.
Due to the conditions of near-drowning, the American Heart Association recommends that rescuers deliver two rescue breaths first and then begin the cycles of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing as directed in the CPR guidelines. Perform 30 chest compressions at 100-120 compressions per minute, about 2 inches deep, followed by two breaths.
6. Drug Overdose
Drug overdoses, especially opioids like heroin or synthetic opioids, can lead to respiratory failure and unconsciousness. In such situations, CPR may be necessary to keep the person alive until medical professionals arrive. If you suspect a drug overdose and the person is unresponsive, check for breathing and a pulse. If there is no breathing or pulse, start CPR immediately.
7. Suffocation
Suffocation can occur due to various reasons, including being trapped in an airtight space or having an object obstruct the airway. If someone is found unconscious due to suffocation, start CPR if they are not breathing or do not have a pulse. CPR can help maintain oxygen circulation while efforts are made to remove the suffocation source.