CPR Trained Bystanders: What to Do During a Cardiac Arrest Emergency

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CPR Trained Bystanders What to Do During a
Cardiac Arrest Emergency
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• As a CPR-trained bystander during a cardiac
  arrest incident, your primary goal is to initiate
  basic life support (BLS) and perform
  cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until
  advanced medical care arrives. Here are the steps
  you should take
• Assess the situation Check the victim's
  responsiveness and breathing. If the victim is
  unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping
  for air, call for emergency medical services
  (EMS) immediately.
• Open the airway Tilt the victim's head back and
  lift their chin to open their airway. Check for
  any obstructions in the mouth or throat, and
  clear them if present.
• Check for a pulse Check for a pulse for no more
  than 10 seconds. If there is no pulse, begin CPR.

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• Start chest compressions Place the heel of one
  hand on the center of the victim's chest and
  place your other hand on top. Push down hard and
  fast, at 100-120 compressions per minute, to
  circulate blood and oxygen to the body's vital
  organs.
• Provide rescue breaths After 30 compressions,
  provide two rescue breaths by tilting the
  victim's head back and pinching their nose shut
  while giving two breaths into their mouth.
• Continue CPR Continue cycles of 30 compressions
  and 2 breaths until EMS arrives or the victim
  shows signs of regaining consciousness.
• Remember, early CPR and defibrillation can
  significantly increase a victim's chances of
  survival. Therefore, acting quickly and
  confidently in a cardiac arrest emergency is
  essential.

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In February 2022, a 50-year-old man named John
collapsed while shopping with his wife in a New
York shopping mall. Fortunately, a bystander
named Mary Ann, who happened to be a nurse, saw
what happened and rushed to his aid. If you want
to understand how CPR works and it's potential to
save lives during a cardiac arrest emergency,
read "The Science of CPR Understanding How It
Can Save Lives During a Cardiac Arrest
Emergency". Mary Ann quickly assessed the
situation and determined that John had no pulse
and was not breathing. Without hesitation, she
began to administer CPR. She performed chest
compressions and rescue breaths for several
minutes until John's pulse returned. Thanks to
Mary Ann's quick thinking and CPR training, John
survived the incident and was able to make a full
recovery. Mary Ann's heroic actions were later
recognized by the mall.
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This incident is a powerful example of how
bystander CPR can make all the difference in a
medical emergency. If you find yourself in a
similar situation, remember to assess the
situation, open the airway, check for a pulse,
start chest compressions, provide rescue breaths,
and continue cycles of compressions and breaths
until EMS arrives or the victim shows signs of
regaining consciousness.