A. For every minute a person goes without CPR, chances of survival decrease by 10%. Almost 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die due to lack of awareness on CPR. On the other hand, scores of people have survived due to timely administration of CPR.
A. Yes, only in case the Casualty stops breathing. CPR has to be continued in such cases until medical help arrives.
A. Please enquire with healthcare NGOs (if any) in your city. Alternately, you may send us a message and we will try to help you.
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A. Cardiac Arrest is an "electrical" problem and it occurs when heart stops beating unexpectedly due to irregular heartbeat caused by electrical malfunction. Heart Attack is a "circulation" problem and it occurs when blood flow to heart is prevented by a blocked artery.
A. Cardiac Arrest does not typically lead to Heart Attack. However, Heart Attack (if not attended to) can lead to Cardiac Arrest.
A. In cardiac arrest the victim has no pulse and heartbeats, doesn't breathe and is unconscious. However, his or her brain is still functional. In a dead person the brain has ceased functioning and it is irreversible. Even when death is suspected, it is worth starting CPR because it really could be cardiac arrest.
A. Rescuers should not waste time by trying to check pulse. This is because it is difficult for untrained rescuers to detect the absence of pulse quickly.
A. Yes. That’s because heart disease is a major risk factor to cause SCA and elderly are much more likely than younger people to suffer from heart disease.
A. If a heart attack occurs, often as a result of severe coronary artery disease, it can trigger ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac arrest.
A. Supply of oxygenated blood is interrupted due to sudden cardiac arrest. Lack of oxygen supply to brain cells leads to unconsciousness.
A. CPR should be performed even when cardiac arrest is due to electric shock, allergic reactions of severe nature, near-drowning, suffocation and drug overdose. However, in these cases traditional CPR (chest compressions & mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, carried out by trained persons) is preferable rather than Hands-only CPR performed by untrained responders.
A. It's better to perform CPR imperfectly than not at all. However, he or she should carry out ‘Hands-Only CPR’ without resorting to mouth-to-mouth breaths.
A. While chest compressions can be carried out with clothes on, usage of defibrillator would necessitate removal of clothing because pads have to be attached to bare skin.
A. Not at all. Gasping is a sign of cardiac arrest and often occurs for a while soon after the arrest and will continue when effective compressions are being delivered.
A. It’s true that CPR causes fatigue, especially when it goes on for a longer period due to delayed arrival of an ambulance or an AED. If another trained person is present, the first responder can ask the former to take over. It really helps if CPR-givers are physically fit.
A. Chest compressions are hard work and it is natural for the rescuer to get tired after a few minutes, especially when the rescuer is not young and/or is not physically very fit. Ideally, someone nearby can take over. However, there must be less than a 10 seconds delay when the switch takes place.
A. The differences between the physical bodies of a man and woman make men hesitant to administer CPR on women. A constant apprehension of falling into trouble while helping the opposite gender often stops the men from performing CPR on a woman. But since saving life is paramount, men should overcome the hesitation and carry out CPR.
A. A cardiac ambulance is equipped with a defibrillator. This will enable the cardiac ambulance staff to give shock to the victim who was already being given CPR. The revived victim is then transported by the ambulance to the hospital.
A. Of course, anyone who is physically fit can learn CPR. Women too, as much as men, are equally competent in performing CPR after training.
A. Ideally, at least one member of the household, who is physical fit, should undergo training for CPR. This is particularly applicable to families with elderly members and/or those who have a history of heart problems.
A. NGOs either do not charge any fees or charge a small fee towards expenses. Hospitals, business organisations and companies do charge regular fees. Do ascertain by enquiring on phone.
A. Certain NGOs and hospitals hold these camps. You may contact them directly to enquire or you can enquire through us .
A. Anyone can use a defibrillator. First of all, the 2 pads are to be applied to a patients bare chest (positions shown on the AED). The AED will then analyse the patient’s heart rhythm and may advise you to continue CPR. If the AED deems that the patient to has no effective cardiac output, the machine will advise a shock. If the first shock doesn't restart the heart, the AED may ask for continuation of CPR until the machine detects another opportune moment to a second shock.
A. No one should touch the victim during delivery of the electrical shock by an AED. Do not use an AED if the person is in or near water. It’s fine if the victim is lying on a metal bench or bed, but the pads should not come in contact with the metal surface.
A. At some locations, yes. In such a case, it will be better that the trained attendant accompanies the AED to the victim’s location.