Continuous Chest Compression CPR - Don't Be Just a Bystander
February 28, 2008 by Joshua Lien
When confronted with an adult stranger in cardiac arrest, don't be just a bystander. Be a lifesaver. That is the goal of a new cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique pioneered at The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center. Continuous Chest Compression CPR (CCC-CPR) or Cardiocerebral Resuscitation (CCR) eliminates the two things most likely to intimidate and prevent a bystander from taking lifesaving action.
1. No mouth-to-mouth contact.
2. No confusing procedure that may be difficult to recall, perform under duress, or complete with instruction over the phone.
In addition, studies, including a recent Japanese study published on March 17, 2007 in The Lancet, show that Continuous Chest Compression CPR is more effective in treating cardiac arrest. Regarding the Japanese study, Gordon A. Ewy, MD, director of Sarver Heart Center stated, "The report confirms that what we have learned in animal experiments applies to humans as well." Dr. Ewy continued, "Bystander-initiated continuous chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breathing are the preferable approach for witnessed unexpected collapse, which is usually due to cardiac arrest."
An important point is that if the collapse involves respiratory arrest, such as might occur in cases of drowning, drug overdose, trauma, choking, or witnessed collapse by a child, standard CPR is still recommended. The current American Heart Association (AHA) guideline CPR requires 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths for every 30 chest compressions. This compression-to-ventilation ratio now covers all ages except newborns.
The procedure taught by UA Sarver Heart Center and summarized in their one-page handy guide is easy to learn and easy to remember.
If you witness a sudden unexpected collapse in an adult, follow these simple steps:
1. Direct someone to call 911 or make the call yourself.
2. Position the patient on the floor. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest with the other hand on top of the first. Lock your elbows and perform forceful chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute. Lift your hands slightly after each push to allow chest to recoil. Take turns with a bystander until paramedics arrive.
3. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, attach it to the patient and follow the machine's voice instructions. Otherwise, keep pumping.
REMEMBER: If you just call 911 and do not perform chest compressions, the patient most likely WILL NOT SURVIVE!
NOTE: Gasping is not an indication of normal breathing or recovery. Initiate and continue compressions even if patient gasps. For cases of suspected drowning, drug overdose or collapse in children, follow guideline CPR (2 mouth-to-mouth breaths for every 30 chest compressions).
Think about it. If you do nothing and nobody else steps up to help, a life will almost surely be lost. However, if you summon the courage to help, you might save a life and make a lasting contribution to that person's eternally grateful circle of family and friends. Continuous Chest Compression CPR lowers the hurdle and encourages everyone to be a lifesaver and a hero.
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