Restarting a heartbeat, in a situation where someone's heart has stopped (cardiac arrest), involves immediate action to restore blood flow and deliver an electrical shock if necessary.
Here's a breakdown of the steps, incorporating information from the provided reference:
Steps to Restart a Heartbeat During Cardiac Arrest
The main steps to restart a heartbeat involve using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
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Call for Help: Immediately call emergency services (e.g., 911) or have someone else do it. Time is critical.
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Start CPR: Begin chest compressions.
- Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person's chest, with the other hand on top.
- Push hard and fast, compressing the chest about 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Give rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth) after every 30 compressions, if you are trained and willing to do so. If not, continue with chest compressions only.
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Use an AED: As soon as an AED is available:
- Turn the AED on: Follow the AED's voice prompts and visual instructions.
- Attach the Pads: Apply the AED pads to the person's bare chest as indicated on the pads. Typically, one pad goes on the upper right chest, and the other on the lower left side.
- Analyze the Rhythm: The AED will analyze the person's heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed. Tell everyone to stand clear.
- Deliver a Shock (if advised): If the AED advises a shock, make sure no one is touching the person and press the "shock" button.
- Continue CPR: Immediately after delivering the shock, or if no shock is advised, resume CPR (chest compressions) until the AED prompts you again or emergency services arrive. According to the reference, you should continue performing CPR until the person starts moving or breathing again.
Importance of AED
The AED delivers an electrical shock to the person to restore their normal heart rhythm and prevent sudden cardiac death. It is crucial to follow the AED's instructions carefully.
Summary Table
| Step | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Call for Help | Contact emergency services immediately. | Reduces the delay in receiving professional medical assistance. |
| Start CPR | Perform chest compressions and rescue breaths (if trained). | Maintains blood flow to vital organs until the heart can be restarted. |
| Use AED | Turn on the AED, attach pads, analyze the rhythm, and deliver a shock if advised. | Delivers a controlled electrical shock to reset the heart's electrical activity. |
| Continue CPR | Continue chest compressions, even after delivering a shock, until the person shows signs of life or help arrives. | Maintains blood flow and oxygenation until spontaneous circulation is restored, according to the provided reference. |
