In patients experiencing cardiac arrest, how effective is hands-on CPR v/s Hands plus breathing CPR at preventing mortality?
ANSWER
Hands-only CPR is as effective as hands-plus-breathing CPR in preventing mortality in patients experiencing cardiac arrest, according to a review of 28 studies published in the journal Circulation in 2010. The review found that hands-only CPR was associated with a similar survival rate to hands-plus-breathing CPR, both in the short-term (immediately after cardiac arrest) and long-term (at 30 days and 1 year).
Hands-only CPR is easier to learn and perform than hands-plus-breathing CPR, and it is more likely to be performed by bystanders. This is because hands-only CPR does not require mouth-to-mouth breathing, which many people are hesitant to do.
The American Heart Association recommends hands-only CPR for all bystanders who witness an adult collapse suddenly. The steps for hands-only CPR are as follows:
1. Call 911.
2. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest.
3. Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers.
4. Position your shoulders over your hands and keep your elbows straight.
5. Use your upper body weight to push hard and fast in the center of the chest, compressing the chest at least 2 inches.
6. Push hard and fast at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
7. Continue pushing hard and fast until help arrives.
Hands-plus-breathing CPR is still recommended for trained healthcare professionals and for bystanders who are trained and comfortable performing mouth-to-mouth breathing. The steps for hands-plus-breathing CPR are as follows:
1. Call 911.
2. Check for responsiveness. If the person is not responsive, shout for help and begin CPR.
3. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest.
4. Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers.
5. Position your shoulders over your hands and keep your elbows straight.
6. Use your upper body weight to push hard and fast in the center of the chest, compressing the chest at least 2 inches.
7. Push hard and fast at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
8. After 30 chest compressions, give two rescue breaths.
9. To give a rescue breath, pinch the person’s nose shut and seal their mouth with your mouth.
10. Breathe into the person’s mouth for one second.
11. Give two rescue breaths, then continue with 30 chest compressions.
12. Repeat this cycle of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until help arrives.
If you are a bystander and witness an adult collapse suddenly, the most important thing is to do something. Hands-only CPR is a simple and effective way to help save a life.