What does resuscitation look like in the event of cardiac arrest?

In the event of sudden cardiac arrest, it is important to react quickly and initiate resuscitation measures to improve the chances of survival of the affected person. In any case, the first aider must first ensure his own safety. If a cardiac arrest is suspected, it must first be tested whether the person affected reacts to response or pain stimuli.

If this is not the case, the breathing is checked. In case of respiratory arrest, resuscitation should be started. It is imperative to make the emergency call BEFORE starting resuscitation (or have someone else do it).

In many public buildings defibrillators are installed. These should be fetched if available. The resuscitation itself consists of cardiac massage and respiration.

Ideally, resuscitation is performed by two people, so that one person performs 30 chest compressions (speed: 2/second; location: in the middle of the sternum, depth: approx. 1/3 of the chest, complete relief of the chest after each compression) and the other person performs two ventilations. These should always be performed alternately (30:2).

If a defibrillator is available, attach the electrodes to analyze the heart rhythm. The devices are easy to understand and indicate the necessary steps. The measures are carried out until the person concerned reacts.

Then the patient is placed in a stable lateral position with regular monitoring of breathing and consciousness. Alternatively, resuscitation is continued until the emergency doctor arrives. If several first-aiders are available, they should alternate during resuscitation, otherwise fatigue will quickly develop.

The resuscitation procedure in brief: Ideally, two people should carry out the resuscitation. → complete relief of the chest after each compression!

First person: makes 30 chest compressions → Speed: 2/second Location: centered on the sternum Depth: about 1/3 of the chest
Second person: performs 2 ventilations → alternating 30:2

What are the chances of survival in case of cardiac arrest?

The chances of survival after a cardiac arrest are generally considered very low. The survival rate is only about five percent. However, the chance of survival can be significantly improved by first responders.

On average, the chance of survival after a cardiac arrest decreases by about ten percent with every minute that passes. Therefore, after ten minutes, the chances are about zero. Normally, the ambulance, even if it is called at the same time as the cardiac arrest that occurs, does not appear until after this ten-minute window, so that the chances of survival of an affected person are in the hands of the first responders.

With the help of resuscitation measures, not only can the heart be made to beat again.In addition, oxygen is transported to the body’s organs by cardiac massage and ventilation alone, so that they can be protected to a certain extent from damage. In this way, consequential damage from cardiac arrest can be minimized. If a defibrillator is also used during resuscitation within the first few minutes, the affected person’s chance of survival increases by up to 75 percent. AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) are now available in many public buildings. These explain the necessary steps by themselves and are also suitable for use by medical laymen.