Cardiac arrest is more important in case of cardiac arrest

Cardiac massage during cardiac arrest can save lives

02/12/2015

An acute cardiac arrest is life-threatening. If not immediately measures such as the cardiac massage performed, the patient dies. The German Heart Foundation explains on its website what to do in case of an emergency and gives instructions on how to carry out the cardiac massage for first responders.

Become active immediately in case of cardiac arrest
When the colleague from the neighboring office suddenly collapsed, at first nobody knew what to do. A secretary called the emergency call in the presence of the spirit, and finally the head of department, who had recently completed a first-aid training, joined. He quickly realized that the man's heart was not beating anymore. The chest compressions, which started immediately, saved the employee's life.

In situations where everyone can see these can come. Unfortunately, it often happens that first responders wait out of their fear to make a mistake before they become active, says Professor Dr. med. Dietrich Andresen, board member of the German Heart Foundation. However, this costs valuable time, in which the chances of survival of the patient fall rapidly.

First select the emergency call and then start with the chest compressions
First responders should always request help first through 112. Immediately afterwards, one begins with the cardiac massage, which creates an artificial blood circulation, so that the brain continues to be supplied with oxygen and nutrients. Otherwise, brain death will occur within a few minutes. According to the German Heart Foundation, cardiac massage is even more important than an Automated External Defibrillator (AED, Defi). Because not the AED but the consistently performed chest compressions save the patient's life, say the experts. If you're the only helper on site, you should never miss the chest compressions and get a defi. „Unfortunately, we have to experience it again and again that first responders do not immediately start heart massage after the emergency call is over, but run away to look for a lay defibrillator, "says Andresen, who lost vital minutes. „However, if two helpers are on-site, one can get an AED while the other performs the chest compressions without interruption, "says the cardiologist and emergency physician.