CPR During Cardiac Arrest: How Does It Work?

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is an emergency technique used when a person’s heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. It helps maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until emergency medical help arrives.

What is CPR and how does it work?

1. What happens during cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. The person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally or only gasps. Without immediate treatment, the brain and other organs can quickly suffer damage.

2. How does CPR help?

CPR involves pressing firmly and rhythmically on the centre of the chest. These compressions help push blood through the body, supplying some oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.

3. How are chest compressions performed?

The person is laid on their back on a firm surface. The rescuer places both hands in the centre of the chest and presses hard and fast, allowing the chest to return to its normal position after each compression.

4. What is the correct speed of CPR?

For adults, chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, with a depth of about 5–6 cm. If trained, the rescuer can combine 30 compressions with 2 rescue breaths.

5. What is the role of an AED?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart’s rhythm and, when needed, delivers an electric shock to help restore a normal rhythm. CPR should continue while an AED is being obtained and prepared.

6. What should you do if someone collapses?

• Check whether the person responds and whether they are breathing normally.
• Call 112 in India for emergency assistance and ask someone to bring an AED if available.
• If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately.
• Continue until professional help takes over or the person shows signs of recovery.

7. Can CPR save a person’s life?

Yes. Immediate CPR can significantly improve the chances of survival during cardiac arrest. However, CPR does not always restart the heart by itself; early defibrillation and advanced medical treatment may also be necessary.

Important: If you are untrained, hands-only CPR—continuous chest compressions—is better than doing nothing for an adult who suddenly collapses and is not breathing normally. Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.