Adult CPR Theory
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Understanding Vital CPR Techniques
The Critical Moment: When the Heart Stops
Explore the urgency of responding when the heart ceases to function and the impact on vital organs.
Immediate Consequences
When the heart stops:
- Blood Pressure Plummets: Blood pressure drops to zero almost instantly.
- Cessation of Organ Perfusion: Vital organs, including the brain, heart, and kidneys, lose blood supply.
- Rapid Unconsciousness: The patient quickly loses consciousness, moving towards a critical state.
The Life-Saving Role of CPR
Understanding CPR
Learn how CPR replicates the heart's function in circulating blood, oxygen, and nutrients.
The Technique
Perform CPR by:
- Identifying the Sternum: Locate the sternum, the central bone of the chest.
- Proper Hand Placement: Position hands on the lower half of the sternum.
- Effective Compression: Apply pressure to compress the heart between the breastbone and spinal column.
How CPR Works
Understanding the heart's structure:
- The Heart's Chambers: It's a hollow organ with four chambers.
- Valve Function: Intricate valves permit blood flow in one direction.
- Efficient Blood Flow: CPR mimics natural circulation, driven by valve function.
Optimizing Chest Compressions
Key points in chest compression:
- Compression Rate: Perform at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Enhancing Organ Perfusion: Aim to boost brain and organ blood flow as close to normal as possible.
Incorporating Ventilations
Supplementing chest compressions:
- Oxygenation of Lungs: Provide efficient ventilation to enable oxygen exchange and carbon dioxide removal.
Continuing the Lifesaving Effort
By executing effective chest compressions and ventilations, we replicate heart and lung functions until defibrillation or the return of spontaneous circulation occurs.