Resuscitation methods involve techniques used to preserve life and restore consciousness in individuals who have experienced cardiac arrest, drowning, suffocation, or other conditions leading to respiratory or cardiac failure.
The most common method is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which combines artificial respiration with chest compressions to maintain circulatory flow and oxygenation.
1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR):
CPR combines chest compressions with rescue breaths to help maintain blood flow and oxygenation in individuals whose heart or breathing has stopped.
I. Chest Compressions:
Function: Circulates blood to the organs by mimicking the heart's pumping action.
Technique:
Rate: 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Depth: 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm) in adults.
II. Rescue Breaths:
Function: Provides oxygen to the lungs after every 30 compressions, if the rescuer is trained and willing.
Technique: Ensure the airway is open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver) before giving two breaths.
III. Automated External Defibrillator (AED):
Function: Delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.
Usage: Should be used as soon as possible if available, following the device’s instructions..
2. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS):
Setting: Used in hospital settings or by advanced medical personnel.
Techniques:
Involves advanced interventions such as medications, airway management (e.g., intubation), and cardiac monitoring.
Follows specific protocols for different types of cardiac arrest (e.g., due to heart attack, drowning, or trauma).
May include repeated use of defibrillation and other advanced life-saving techniques.