What do you picture when you read the word “superhero”? Do you envision your favourite childhood (or adulthood) animated character with larger than life qualities such as boundless strength, power, a never-give-up attitude; always using his or her powers for the betterment of the world? Perhaps your hero is much closer to home –a family member, friend, or acquaintance who in the most critical moment changed your life.
Since the beginning of COVID-19, healthcare professionals across the world have emerged as true real-life superheroes. Images of doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, support workers and various front-liners with mask scars on their faces went viral. Their unyielding courage and selfless determination to battle against the Coronavirus is a glaring reminder of the power each one of us possesses: the power to make a difference. Changing someone’s life might not be as dramatic as the movies and does not require you to be in a particular profession. All it takes is an opportunity to learn and plenty of willingness to act in a moment of need.
Today, as we celebrate Restart a Heart Day, this is your opportunity to become a real-life superhero by learning the vital life-saving skill of CPR that will give you the power to make the difference between life and death for someone. reach24 has taken a vow on this annual day of action to teach as many people as possible CPR skills through our FREE live online training sessions. Whether you are a complete starter or have mastered CPR, this is your opportunity to refresh and adapt your abilities to the new guidance in light of COVID-19.
The facts surrounding a sudden cardiac arrest and CPR
A sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere; however, statistics suggest that 80% occurs in the home. Currently, with more people spending time at home, this figure may be higher. Every year around 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests occurs across the UK but sadly survival rates remain stubbornly low with fewer than one in ten surviving. For every minute treatment is delayed, the victim’s chance of survival decreases by 10% (Resuscitation Council UK). However, if a bystander immediately performs CPR helping to preserve brain function until paramedics arrive, the overall chance of survival DOUBLES or TRIPLES.
In 2018, researchers from the University of Warwick Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcome conducted a survey on 4,000 adults and it worryingly revealed that nearly a third of those who participated wouldn’t perform CPR if they saw someone suffer a cardiac arrest. While it is normal to feel anxious, this survey indicates that thousands of lives can be saved if more awareness is created around the impact of early response and action. When it comes to saving a life, doing CPR is better than doing nothing.
With such staggering rates, equipping people with the power to save a life has never been more crucial. Would you know what to do if a member of your family, friend or co-worker had a cardiac arrest? Although it is a simple process, many people outside the healthcare field do not understand the significance of acquiring CPR skills. The benefits go far beyond the walls of your home or workplace. Be the courageous person that says, ‘I’ll do it’ and steps up in the time of a medical emergency.
CPR is a part of the Chain of Survival which includes:
- Early recognition and call for help
- Early CPR
- Early Defibrillation
- Post resuscitation care
The first three steps rely on a speedy response from a bystander. When someone has a cardiac arrest, they will collapse, become unresponsive and their breathing either stops entirely or changes (e.g. making gasping noises). Next time you witness someone collapse, remember it is normal to panic but respond as quickly as possible in the following order.
Eight steps that can save a life
1. Assess the scene
Check for any danger before approaching the person.
2. Shake and shout
Check for a response by gently shaking their shoulder and shouting loudly “Are you OK?”, “Can you hear me?”. If it is an infant, gently tap the shoulder or flick the bottom of the heel and check for a reaction.
3. Call 999
Call 999 yourself or ask someone to call and request an ambulance. The emergency call handler will also guide you through how to perform CPR.
The call handler will inform you if there is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) nearby; often available in workplaces and public spaces like airports, shopping centres and train stations.
Ask someone to fetch it but do not leave the casualty if you are on your own.
4. Turn them over
If they are lying on their stomach turn them onto their back. Ideally, they should be lying on a flat surface.
5. Check for signs of breathing
Next, watch their breathing by looking at the rise and fall of their chest for no more than 10 seconds.
6.Cover mouth and nose with a cloth
Use a piece of clothing or towel and lay it over the mouth and nose. Due to Covid-19 avoid placing your ear or cheek close their face. If the person begins to breathe normally, put them in the recovery position.
7. Now, it is time to save their life
Do not give rescue breaths at this time.
First, kneel next to the person and if it is an adult, place the heel of one hand in the centre of their chest, between the nipples and place the other on top. Now interlock your fingers.
With a straight arm, begin pushing down firmly so that the chest is pressed down about 2 inches and release. Aim for 2 beats per second and do this at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
For children from age 1 to 8, push down using one of your hands in the centre of their chest about 2 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Whereas, infants use only to use two fingers to push down 1.5 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Here is a visual representation:
8. Keep going
Keep going until AED arrives, someone can take over, you are exhausted, the person shows signs of life (coughing, opening their eyes, speaking normally), paramedics arrive or the emergency call handler tells you to do so.
If signs of responsiveness are shown put them in the recovery position, leaving the defibrillator attached and monitor their response; be prepared to give CPR again if necessary.
Using an AED
When the helper returns with an AED, ask for it to be switched on and follow instructions while continuing CPR. First, they should remove or cut through clothing to get the casualty’s bare chest. Then attach the pads as advised. The defibrillator will then analyse the heart’s rhythm. Make sure to stop CPR and no one should touch the casualty at this point. If a shock is needed, ask people to stand back and the AED will tell you when to press the shock button. After the shock has been given, you can continue CPR for two minutes before it re-analyses.
The defibrillator will inform you if no shock is needed in which case CPR is continued for two minutes before it re-analyses. No prior training is necessary to use an AED as the machine provides verbal probes and only delivers a shock if it detects it to be essential.
We encourage you to play a part in becoming CPR-ready this Restart a Heart Day by sharing this guide and signing up to our free online session with your family, friends, colleagues, neighbours. Share your training photos and videos using this hashtag #restartaheartwithreach24.
We hope to arm one person at a time with the tools needed to save a life, no matter where they are. This is your chance to become someone’s hero and give them a second chance at life.
Anyone anywhere is welcome to participate online. Start by completing this quick survey by clicking this
link and our team will be in touch with more information or send us a message on our page.
