Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and at any time even in the safety of your home. Knowing how to react quickly and appropriately can literally mean the difference between life and death.
Cardiac arrest is a very serious medical emergency wherein the heart suddenly stops beating.
When the heartbeat suddenly ceases, blood is not pumped to the brain and other major organs, resulting in unconsciousness. If left untreated, this will bring death in minutes.
Cardiac arrest differs from a heart attack, basically because blockage in the arteries occurs, while cardiac arrest has an electrical malfunction inside the heart.
This article discusses some of the major steps to be taken in case of cardiac arrest at home.
Table of contents
- How Do You Handle Cardiac Arrest at Home?
- Understanding the Signs of Cardiac Arrest
- How Cardiac Arrest Differs from a Heart Attack?
- First aid for the person having a cardiac arrest at home
- How Can You Survive a cardiac arrest when alone at home?
- Importance of First Aid Training
- Why you Choose BuyAEDIndia for Life Saving AED?
- Conclusion
- FAQ
How Do You Handle Cardiac Arrest at Home?
It is estimated that 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside the hospitals every year, and approximately 70% occur at home.
Sadly, in India, most people who have cardiac arrest at home do not receive any help from bystanders until medical help arrives.
9 out of 10 people who have cardiac arrest outside the hospital do not survive.
With awareness of the early warning signs of a cardiac arrest and how to act fast in an emergency can literally give your loved one the best chance of survival.
Not sure what to do if someone suffers a cardiac arrest at home?
You must understand the basics before getting into the details.
Understanding the Signs of Cardiac Arrest
Recognizing signs of cardiac arrest in time can save lives. A cardiac arrest occurs suddenly, when the heart ceases to beat properly, stopping circulation of blood to the brain as well as other organs vital for life. Here are the most important warning signs to look out for:
- Sudden Loss in Responsiveness
- No Breathing or Abnormal Breathing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Weakness or dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden collapse
- Unexplained seizures
If you see any of these signs, act quickly by calling emergency services, then start CPR right away. Act early to give the best chance of survival.
How Cardiac Arrest Differs from a Heart Attack?
Most people confuse cardiac arrest with a heart attack, and the two are not the same. A heart attack results when blood flow to the heart becomes blocked, usually due to blockage in the arteries.
The heart still beats, although usually irregularly. On the other hand, cardiac arrest is when the heart literally stops, requiring immediate action.
First aid for the person having a cardiac arrest at home
When cardiac arrest happens at home, quick action is very important. First, breathe for yourself and remember you must act quickly; you are the person’s best chance, and every second counts.
From that point, you only have two to three minutes in which to save their life, or else you head into the territory of irreparable brain damage.
Here’s what you should do immediately:
1. Check the Situation:
Before starting treatment, take a minute to check the condition of your person. Check the responsiveness by shaking their shoulders and shouting to see if they are responsive.
If he doesn’t respond and he isn’t breathing or gasping, then act.
2. Call for Emergency Help:
The first thing you must do is to contact the emergency services. In India, you can get help in times of medical emergency by dialing 112.
When you call, do so calmly and clearly mention the exact location and the condition of the person to the dispatcher at the other end. Do not disconnect the call until you are told to do so by the dispatcher.
3. Begin CPR:
Now that you have called for help, it is time to start CPR. CPR, of course, is a life-sustaining process that enables blood to continue circulating in the body until medical experts arrive.
It essentially is performed by chest compressions and rescue breaths.
4. Performing Chest Compressions:
Kneel beside the patient, placing the heel of one hand on the center of his chest, just below the nipple line. Place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers.
Use your body weight to lean forward, then push hard and fast.
The compression depth should be at least 2 inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to rise fully between compressions.
5. Administrating Rescue Breaths:
After 30 compressions, give two breaths. Tilt the person’s head back slightly to open the airway, then shut the nose and give a breath that makes the chest rise.
Each breath should last about one second. Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and two breaths until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.
6. Use an (AED)Automated External Defibrillator if Available:
If you have access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at home, at work, or in the community, use it within a couple of minutes. It will turn on with voice instructions when turned on.
It will analyze the heart’s rhythm and tell you whether a shock is needed.
If advised to give a shock, make sure no one is touching the person and push the shock button. Upon delivery of the shock, begin CPR immediately.
How Can You Survive a cardiac arrest when alone at home?
Suffering a cardiac arrest alone at home can be a bit tough, but taking the right steps can help you survive. Here are the steps:
- Symptom Recognition: If you suddenly have severe chest pain, light-headedness, or difficulty in breathing, this could be a cardiac arrest onset. Immediately lie down to prevent yourself from falling and getting hurt.
- Call for Help: In India, dial the emergency number 112 or ask your mobile phone to call the nearest emergency service. Even if you are alone, make every attempt to call a neighbor or someone close by.
- Self-Administer CPR: While it is very nearly impossible to conduct CPR on yourself, try to cough forcibly and repeatedly. This can help blood circulation to your brain and heart.
- Use an AED if Available: Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, are particularly gaining visibility across public places in India. If you happen to be near one, quickly use it.
- Stay Calm: Panic will only heighten the situation. Focus on breathing and try to remain as calm as possible until help arrives.
- Plan: If you are at high risk for cardiac arrest, make sure to inform your neighbors or family members of your condition. You can keep an emergency contact list at your home and share how to use it with them in case of an emergency.
Being prepared and acting quickly is key to surviving a cardiac arrest when alone in home.
Learn more: Latest Automated External Defibrillator Price in India (2024)
Importance of First Aid Training
You may be thinking whether you are doing the right things at such a critical moment. There is where first aid training steps in.
Why Everyone Should Learn CPR
CPR training courses give one confidence and discretion in handling medical emergencies.
Knowing the proper way to perform CPR can literally save the life of a family member, most importantly during those first minutes before professional help arrives.
Where to Get CPR and First Aid Training
There are multiple organizations that provide courses on CPR and first aid, such as the Red Cross or a local hospital.
Most training conducted have cardiopulmonary emergencies, including cardiac arrest, and offer practice to be better prepared.
Why you Choose BuyAEDIndia for Life Saving AED?
When it comes to saving lives, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are essential for treating cardiac arrest, a serious condition where the heart suddenly stops beating. If you’re considering purchasing an AED.
BuyAEDIndia offers multiple Brand of AED available in website, if you are looking for best quality AED, you can order now:
Explore: What are the different uses of Defibrillator?
Conclusion
Home care for a cardiac arrest involves knowing what to do. This action, in fact, saves Lifes.
When an adult collapses or shows no signs of breathing, call for emergency medical services; immediately start CPR, and if an AED is available, use it as soon as possible.
If you are alone and start to experience symptoms, call for help and try to stay calm.
First aid, including CPR, will give you the ability and confidence to act right away in an emergency.
FAQ
Look for signs like sudden loss of responsiveness, no breathing, chest pain, feeling dizzy, or collapsing.
Call emergency services right away, start CPR, and use an AED if you have one.
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest, about 2 inches deep and at a rate of 100-120 pushes per minute. After every 30 pushes, give 2 rescue breaths.
Yes, if you have an AED, follow its voice instructions to check the heart’s rhythm and give a shock if needed.
You can get CPR and first aid training from places like the Red Cross or local hospitals.
