Cardiac massage: In an emergency, every second counts
Created: 11/25/2022, 06:30 am
By: Laura Knops
In an emergency, chest compressions can save lives.
Everyone should therefore know how to react in the event of a cardiac arrest.
Every year, more than 70,000 people in Germany suffer a sudden cardiac arrest - many of those affected do not survive.
However, it is not just the physical consequences of heart failure that are to blame.
Rather, a lack of support measures in the event of an acute cardiac arrest plays a decisive role.
A quick revival could save the lives of many people in this country.
Here's how best to proceed if you need to resuscitate someone in an emergency.
Cardiac massage: In an emergency, every second counts
In addition to a heart attack or severe cardiac arrhythmia, sudden heart failure can also be caused by inflammation of the heart muscle or coronary arteries.
On average, older people over the age of 60 are also affected.
About a third of them are men.
"Check, call, press": If you know how to react in an emergency, you can save lives.
© Imago
According to experts at the German Red Cross, if a person is unconscious, there is always a risk of cardiac arrest.
In order to prevent long-term damage, first-aid rescuers must therefore act as quickly as possible.
In an emergency, every second counts: in the event of cardiac arrest, blood is no longer pumped through the body and the organs are no longer supplied with oxygen.
After about three minutes, the brain can no longer maintain its function - not even the fastest ambulance is on site during this time.
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Chest compressions: what to do if you need to resuscitate someone
Anyone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest should follow three critical steps: check first, call for help, and then push.
Upon arrival, first responders must verify that the victim is unconscious and breathing normally.
If you are alone on site, it is important to ask other people for help as quickly as possible – and to call the emergency doctor on 112.
Prompt and effective chest compressions can save lives.
The faster this is carried out, the better the chances of survival.
Caution: This is how you recognize a heart attack immediately
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You should therefore start with the heart massage as follows:
Kneel next to the affected person at chest level.
To find the right pressure position, free your upper body.
Place the heel of your hand in the middle of your chest and place the heel of your other hand on top of it.
Extend both arms and push yourself up vertically with your upper body.
Now start with the cardiac massage: To do this, press down rhythmically – about 5 to 6 centimeters deep – at a frequency of 100 to 120 times per minute.
Only then do you relieve your chest for the same amount of time.
It is important not to be too careful when carrying out the procedure and to maintain the measures until the emergency services arrive.
But: Since the child's body is particularly sensitive, special cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures apply to children and infants.
