Chain of Survival

De Silva stressed that time is of the essence when treating a cardiac arrest victim. “Once the heart stops beating, the blood circulation stops and if not treated within four minutes, it will cause irreversible damage to the victim’s brain cells shortly after oxygen deprivation.”

Apart from that, de Silva said CPR helps to prolong any abnormal rhythm there is in the victim’s heart. “Most times, when people have a heart attack or SCA, the heart starts to brillate instead of beating in proper rhythm.”

He also pointed out that it’s because of this brillation that the Automatic External De brillator (AED) machine comes in handy when dealing with SCA cases.

“In many developed countries around the world, you can easily nd AED devices in airports, offices, shopping malls and public places all within a distance of four minutes,” he added.

De Silva explained that the AED machine is a life-saving equipment that goes hand in hand with CPR; it is used to jumpstart the heart in the event of SCA. “These portable shock devices automatically detect the abnormal heart rhythm and treat it through de brillation.”

Each machince is equipped with straightforward audio and visual commands, making it easy for any by stander to use.

Because SCA can occur to anyone at any time, de Silva said it is crucial for everyone to know how to correctly perform CPR.

In the past, some people were reluctant to perform CPR on a SCA victim because it involved mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, he noted. But the guideline for performing CPR changed in 2010, allowing those uncomfortable or who have not received proper training to attempt hands-only CPR until qualified paramedics arrive at the scene.

The sequence of basic life support as explained by de Silva
1. Danger
If someone appears to be unconscious, survey the area first and check for possible risks to the victim and yourself. Although it is best to begin CPR as quickly as possible, the first-aider needs to ensure that he will be safe while performing the procedure.

2. Response
Once you have approached the victim, determine if CPR is necessary by assessing the person’s responses. Ask loudly if the person is okay or gently shake the person to examine responsiveness. If there is no response, check for signs of life by assessing the victim’s pulse.

Place your finger two finger breadths away (either to the left or right) from the person’s Adam’s apple to feel the pulse. If there’s no pulse, call 999 and you’ll be directed to the medical emergency call centre where a doctor or paramedic will take you through the sequence of CPR while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Meantime, ask if anyone in the area can provide you with an AED machine.

3. Circulation
Begin chest compressions. Place the heel of your dominant hand over sternum (the hard bone of the chest) – the midpoint between the epigastric region and the base of the neck – and put the other hand on top of the dominant hand. Keep arms straight and push the chest down about two inches deep. Try to do at least 120 compressions in two minutes.

Bear in mind that chest compression is a tiring procedure. Therefore, it’s good to have someone on standby to take over after two minutes.

Once the AED has arrived, stop the chest compressions, switch on the device and attach the pads on the patient’s chest.

The basic life support procedure also includes “Airway” and “Breathing” techniques which de Silva said are best left to qualified paramedics.