Life-Saving Skills: Mastering CPR to Resuscitate During a Cardiac Arrest

In the event of a cardiac arrest, every second counts. According to Prof. Bernd Böttiger, the Federal Physician of the German Red Cross (DRK) and Chairman of the German Resuscitation Council, quick action by lay rescuers or first responders can be lifesaving.

When a person suffers a cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating, cutting off blood and oxygen supply to the brain. Without immediate intervention, the brain can die within 3-5 minutes. This is where first aiders come into play, bridging the time gap by taking over the pumping function of the heart with chest compressions.

The procedure for CPR, known as Check, Call, Compress, is simple and easy to remember. First, check the person's response. If they are unresponsive and showing no normal breathing, call the emergency services immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, start chest compressions.

For chest compressions, place one hand in the center of the chest and the other on top. Press down with straight arms, ensuring shoulders are directly above the pressure point, about 5-6 centimeters deep. The frequency should be about twice per second, at a rate of 100–120 per minute. It's crucial to maintain this rhythm to keep blood circulating.

Not enough pressure during chest compressions can lead to ineffective resuscitation. To help remember the correct rhythm, singing a song can be helpful. Popular choices include "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees, Radetzky March by Strauss, or "Breathless" by Helene Fischer.

It's important to note that people sometimes still breathe when their brain is dead (agonal breath). Therefore, it's essential to check if the person is breathing normally. If unsure, it's recommended to call the emergency services immediately.

Three common mistakes during CPR include doing nothing, not recognizing cardiac arrest, placing the person in the recovery position, and not pressing hard enough during chest compressions or not relieving pressure adequately. It's crucial to avoid these mistakes to ensure effective resuscitation.

Prof. Böttiger also notes that rib fractures during CPR are common but heal, and indicate effective resuscitation. He advocates for mandatory first aid training in schools nationwide to equip more people with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergency situations.

A notable example of someone who benefited from quick chest compressions during a cardiac arrest is professional footballer Christian Eriksen. His incident underscores the importance of immediate CPR in saving lives.

In Germany, the emergency services arrive in a median of 9 minutes. However, every second counts in a cardiac arrest situation. By knowing and following the Check, Call, Compress procedure, first aiders can significantly increase the chances of survival until professional help arrives.

In an emergency, remember to check the person's response, call emergency services, and perform chest compressions. Every action counts when it comes to saving a life.