▲CPR is performed by passerby (Source: Yonhap News)

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one of the major causes of death today, which has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. SCA is a condition where the heart stops beating which makes the bodily systems not work. It is a medical emergency where an unexpected moment of crisis outside the hospital could result in death. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a form of first aid that artificially allow blood and oxygen circulation in the patients. Quick CPR is essential to save a SCA patient. Let’s look at the CPR procedure.

If you suspect someone collapsed from a SCA, call 119 and provide first aid immediately, until paramedic arrive on scene. CPR starts with laying the person on their back, on a firm and flat surface. If they are not breathing, start to perform chest compressions. Place two hands centered on the chest and press you elbows down with your weight and then back up, in a continuous motion. For adults, chest compressions are performed 100 to 120 times per minute, at 5-6cm of depth. If breathing recovers, turn them sideways to prevent airway obstruction. Repeat until an ambulance or automated external defibrillator (AED) arrives. If you do not know how or are reluctant to perform artificial respiration, it is recommended to perform chest compression only.

The survival of SCA patients depends on prompt CPR. As of 2020, the survival rate of SCA was 7.5%, but when first aid was performed by a first eyewitness, the survival rate increased 2.4 times. If you are interested in first aid certification, please contact the Korean Red Cross or your local health center for more information. More than half of SCA occurs at home. It is necessary for all of us to be concerned and learn CPR to protect our family and neighbors.

By Ki Dam-soo, cub-reporter  alstj6717@naver.com

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