Updating Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Abstract

SUMMARY: Make a diagnosis of cardiopulmonary arrest, palpate carotid pulse, look for chest movement, and associated air movement. Don’t freeze, if in doubt begin CPR. Extend head and remove any foreign body to form adequate airway. Thump and then proceed immediately with CPR. When giving artificial ventilation, watch for sternal motion, correct air leaks around nose and mouth, correct airway obstruction. The patient should be placed on a hard surface. When giving a cardiac compression the heel of the hand should be parallel to sternum and not over exiphoid process. See that the compression is 1.5 to 2 inches in adult; place weight of shoulders and torso over extended arms. Compression and relaxing should be timed equally. Promptness of the resuscitative efforts and the expertness with which they are delivered may help salvage many a patients who have had cardiac arrest. Smooth and co-operative performance of CPR needs a lot of education, instruction and practice. Doctors and paramedics working in hospitals especially in Emergency Wards should realise the paramount importance of CPR. As physicians working in different departments it is of utmost importance that we initiate personal training, supervise drills, and conduct review sessions after CPR. With added awareness and consciousness w may not only be able to save the hearts which are too good to die but we may also be able to salvage some of the extensively damaged ones.