The Medical City (TMC) Cardiovascular Institute
(CVI) recently conducted a mass training activity on proper techniques in
conducting Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The whole-day activity entitled “Hands-Only CPR
for the Lay – Free Basic Life Support Training and Certification” attracted
hundreds of hospital visitors, who were all invited to spend a few minutes to
learn basic techniques on Hands-Only CPR.
According to Dr. Paolo Prado, Director of Acute
Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Clinical Care Program of TMC’s Cardiovascular
Institute, approximately 50 percent of deaths from heart diseases occur as
sudden heart attacks, and these heart attacks commonly happen in the home. This
is why he reiterates that as many people as possible should learn basic CPR,
which can be a life saver.
Dr. Prado said CPR is a form of cardiac massage
to make the heart pump blood to the brain since the heart stops when there is
cardiac arrest. CPR is just like starting a car, he said, and in this case, it
is the heart that is being restarted. He said, however, that proper CPR
technique should be observed to make it an effective form of first aid during
heart attacks.
“It is important that people know basic CPR
techniques since the first few minutes is very vital in saving a life. If you
recognize that the victim is suffering from a heart attack, you can help save
the person’s life by applying lay-person CPR, but it should be done correctly
to ensure a higher chance of survival. This is why TMC is conducting this free
training activity.”
So how does one know if a person is having a
heart attack? According to the European Society of Cardiology’s (ESC) 2017
guidelines for management of STEMI, or ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, a
very serious type of heart attack, there is a feeling of tightness, a painful
squeezing or heaviness in the middle of the chest, and the pain reaches the jaw
or down the left arm or both arms. There is also a feeling of faint, sickness
and cold sweats or shortness of breath. If this is the case, the patient should
be brought immediately to the hospital. This is what the ESC calls the “Golden
Hour,” a 60-minute window that is crucial for doctors to save a life.
According to the Philippine Heart Association
(PHA), when doing Hands-only CPR, the “3 Cs” must be remembered. First, “CHECK”
the scene and responsiveness of the victim, that the area is safe and with no
imminent danger. Then check if the victim is unconscious or if there is no more
breathing. Just tap both shoulders then call out in a loud voice to check for
consciousness.
Second is “CALL for help.” Seek help from the
nearest police station or emergency rescue team, if there is any, in the
premises or use a phone to call for help. Just make sure you are familiar with
the emergency numbers in the area. Lastly, “COMPRESS.” If the victim is still
not moving or unconscious, apply Hands-Only CPR by kneeling beside the victim.
Place both hands, fingers of the hand on top should interlock with the fingers
in the other, while the palm of the other hand should be placed flat on the
middle part of the chest area. Make sure that the elbows are straight. Then
start to perform the compression at 100-120 compressions per minute, and the
depth of the pressure should be at least 2-2.4 inches. Continue this procedure
until signs of life are seen on the victim or until the rescue team arrives.
The Medical City is located along Ortigas
Avenue, Pasig City. For more information about The Medical City and its
services, call (+632) 988-1000 or (+632) 988-7000, email at mail@medicalcity.com.ph,
or visit www.themedicalcity.com.
We never know when we should need this basic
training but I do hope that if that time comes, I would be able to save a life
of someone.
I too want to encourage you to learn this basic
CPR since it would really help in saving someone else life.
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