After Checking For Breathing And A Pulse You Find

After Checking for Breathing and a Pulse: What to Do Next

Finding no breathing or pulse in an unresponsive person is a critical situation demanding immediate action. This article outlines the steps to take after confirming the absence of breathing and a pulse, focusing on crucial procedures like CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and the importance of seeking immediate professional medical help. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical training. Always prioritize calling emergency services.

Understanding the Emergency: Absence of Breathing and Pulse

The absence of breathing and a pulse signifies a life-threatening condition, often indicating cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, preventing blood flow to the vital organs. This lack of oxygenated blood flow leads to rapid deterioration of brain function and other organ systems. Time is of the essence; immediate action is crucial to improve survival chances.

Recognizing the Signs:

Before initiating any life-saving measures, it's crucial to accurately assess the situation. The signs of cardiac arrest can include:

• Unresponsiveness: The person is not awake and does not respond to stimuli like shaking or shouting.
• Absence of normal breathing: Look for the rise and fall of the chest; shallow gasps or agonal breaths (gasping breaths that are not effective in delivering oxygen) are not considered normal breathing.
• Absence of a pulse: Check for a carotid pulse (in the neck) or femoral pulse (in the groin) for no more than 10 seconds. If you are unsure, treat the situation as a cardiac arrest.

Initiating CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Once you've confirmed the absence of breathing and a pulse, immediately begin CPR. CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to artificially circulate blood and oxygen throughout the body.

Chest Compressions:

• Hand Placement: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, between the nipples. Place the other hand on top, interlacing your fingers.
• Body Position: Keep your arms straight and your shoulders directly above your hands.
• Compression Depth: Push hard and fast, compressing the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults. For children and infants, the depth and technique vary; specialized training is essential.
• Compression Rate: Aim for a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. This is roughly the tempo of the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive."
• Allowing Chest Recoil: Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression. Don't allow your hands to hover over the chest between compressions.

Rescue Breaths:

After performing 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.

• Head Tilt-Chin Lift: Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway.
• Mouth-to-Mouth (or Mouth-to-Mask): Pinch the nose closed and make a seal over the person's mouth. Give two breaths, each lasting about one second, ensuring that you see the chest rise. If you are uncomfortable with mouth-to-mouth, use a barrier device if available.
• Breath Effectiveness: Observe the rise and fall of the chest to confirm effective breaths. If the chest does not rise, readjust the head position and try again.

CPR Cycle:

Continue the cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths until:

• Help arrives: Emergency medical services (EMS) take over.
• The person shows signs of life: They start breathing normally or have a palpable pulse.
• You are too exhausted to continue: If you are physically unable to continue, switch with another trained rescuer if possible. Never leave the person unattended unless help is imminent.

Calling Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Simultaneously with initiating CPR, or as soon as possible, call your local emergency number (911 in the US, 999 in the UK, 000 in Australia, etc.). Provide the dispatcher with the following information:

• Location: Be precise with the address and any relevant landmarks.
• Nature of the Emergency: Clearly state that the person is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse.
• Number of Rescuers: Indicate if there are multiple people providing assistance.
• CPR Status: Inform the dispatcher whether CPR is in progress.
• Any Known Medical Conditions: If you know the person's medical history, provide that information.

Follow the dispatcher's instructions carefully. They may provide further guidance while you wait for EMS arrival.

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable electronic device that analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock (defibrillation) if necessary to restore a normal heartbeat. AEDs are becoming increasingly common in public places. If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible. Most AEDs provide clear audio and visual instructions, making them relatively easy to use, even for untrained individuals.

AED Usage Steps:

1. Turn on the AED: Follow the device's instructions.
2. Attach the pads: Apply the adhesive pads to the person's bare chest, according to the AED's instructions.
3. Analyze the rhythm: The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed.
4. Deliver the shock (if advised): If the AED indicates a shock is needed, ensure no one is touching the person and press the shock button.
5. Resume CPR: Immediately resume CPR after the shock, continuing until EMS arrives or the person shows signs of life.

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

Once EMS arrives, they will take over and provide advanced life support. They may perform further interventions like intubation, intravenous medication, or advanced cardiac life support techniques. Your role will be to provide any information you have about the incident and the person involved.

After the emergency, ensure that you are physically and emotionally okay. Witnessing a cardiac arrest and performing CPR can be traumatic. Consider talking to someone about your experience, perhaps a counselor or mental health professional.

Prevention and Preparedness

While we can't always prevent cardiac arrest, we can take steps to reduce our risk and improve our response time in an emergency. These measures include:

• Learning CPR: Knowing CPR is a valuable life-saving skill. Many organizations offer CPR training courses.
• Knowing AED Locations: Familiarize yourself with the location of AEDs in your community, workplace, or frequently visited places.
• Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions: Proper management of underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, is crucial in reducing the risk of cardiac arrest.

Conclusion: Immediate Action Saves Lives

The absence of breathing and a pulse is a critical medical emergency. Immediate action, including initiating CPR and calling emergency services, is crucial in increasing the chances of survival. Learning CPR and knowing how to use an AED can empower you to save a life. Remember, every second counts. The sooner you act, the greater the chance of a positive outcome. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical training. Always prioritize seeking professional medical help in any emergency situation.