Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential medical skill that can help save lives in emergencies.
Knowing when to administer first aid and cpr course is essential, as it could mean the difference between saving a life or not. In this blog, we’ll explore a few medical emergencies in which a person might require CPR to survive.
Keep reading to learn more about these potentially life-saving situations.
1. Heart Attack
Cardiac arrest occurs when blood cannot reach a specific chamber of the heart because of a clogged artery. When this happens, the heart can’t get enough oxygen and starts to die. CPR is an emergency procedure that you can use to restore circulation and breathing in someone experiencing a heart attack.
CPR is performed by pressing down on the chest in rhythmical compressions while providing breaths through the mouth or nose. This can help buy time until advanced medical care is received. If you see someone having a heart attack, call an ambulance immediately and begin CPR if you’re trained in basic life support certification online. The sooner CPR is started, the better chance the person has of surviving the heart attack.
2. Choking
Choking is a common cause of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) emergencies. Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway and prevents oxygen from entering the lungs. A person who is choking will typically have difficulty breathing, make strange sounds, and may clutch their throat. If the individual cannot expel the object independently, it’s essential to begin CPR.
CPR is necessary if the choking individual is unresponsive or unable to talk or signal for help. It’s important to start CPR immediately, as every second counts. However, if the choking individual is responsive and conscious, you should use back blows and abdominal thrusts to dislodge the object.
It’s also important to remember that a child may require different CPR methods than an adult. In this case, you should use the Heimlich maneuver to try and dislodge the object. If that fails, you should start CPR.
In any situation where a person is choking and requires CPR, it’s essential to follow the most up-to-date guidelines, as they can change over time. Stay up-to-date with the latest protocols by enrolling in a CPR and AED training course.
3. Severe Allergic Reaction
A severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, can be a medical emergency that may require CPR. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction to an allergen or toxin that causes the body to go into shock. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, and hives.
If someone has a severe allergic reaction and doesn’t respond to epinephrine, CPR may be necessary to save their life. It’s important to call an ambulance if someone has a severe allergic reaction, even if you are trained in CPR. The first responders will be able to assess the situation and determine whether or not CPR is required.
4. Drowning
Drowning occurs when a person is submerged in a liquid and unable to breathe for an extended period. You can use CPR to revive someone submerged in water or another liquid, as it’s designed to restore breathing and circulation to the person.
When performing CPR on someone submerged in a liquid, it’s important to ensure that their airway is clear of any fluids before attempting CPR. You can do this by placing them in the recovery position and gently lifting their chin to open their airway. Additionally, if the person has been in cold water, it’s important to dry them off and warm them up before beginning CPR.
5. Drug Overdose
While some drugs are more dangerous than others, any overdose can cause life-threatening complications. If an individual experiences a drug overdose, CPR may be necessary to revive them and prevent serious medical conditions.
Signs of a drug overdose can vary, including confusion, vomiting, seizures, fainting, shallow breathing, and blue skin or lips. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
When administering CPR during a drug overdose, it’s important to remember that you may need to intubate the person to ensure proper airflow and oxygenation. Additionally, as the person recovers, you may need to support their breathing by manually operating their breathing apparatus.
6. Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency where the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, causing damage to the brain. The symptoms of stroke may include:
· Sudden weakness
· Numbness on one side of the body
· Slurred speech
· Confusion
· Vision loss
· Dizziness
· Loss of balance and coordination
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, you should act quickly and call an ambulance. It’s also important to start CPR if the person has lost consciousness and has no pulse. The American Heart Association recommends that the chest be compressed at least 100 to 120 times per minute with no more than two breaths in between compressions. This can help restore normal breathing and circulation until medical help arrives.
Although performing CPR during a stroke may not always reverse the effects, it can help prevent further brain damage and ultimately save the life of the person suffering from the stroke. It’s important to remember that timing is critical when dealing with stroke victims. The best chance for a full recovery often lies in taking quick action and calling for medical help immediately.
Ready To Take CPR And AED Training?
If you want to renew your certification or register for CPR training for the first time, CPR, ACLS & PALS Training Institute offers numerous American Heart Association courses. These first aid basic life support certification online will equip you with the basics of first aid, preventing injuries and illnesses and responding to opioid-related life-threatening situations.
They also offer pediatric advanced life support (PALS) certification, where you can learn how to perform CPR on children and infants.
Take a look at their calendar here.
If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to them.
About The Author
The author is an AHA-certified PALS instructor. He has worked as a first responder for over 15 years. He’s currently affiliated with CPR, ACLS & PALS Training Institute, where he trains individuals to respond to medical emergencies.