Resuscitation is an emergency procedure aimed at restoring vital functions in a person whose heart or breathing has stopped. This is a key element of first aid that can significantly increase the injured person’s chances of survival. Resuscitation mainly focuses on ensuring the flow of oxygen to the brain and organs, which is crucial to maintaining life.

Proper resuscitation requires the use of chest compression and artificial respiration techniques. The person providing assistance should perform chest compressions in the center of the sternum, ensuring the appropriate depth of pressure. The next step is to provide artificial respiration, which can be achieved by sealing the injured person’s mouth to mouth and supplying air.

Current guidelines indicate that 100-120 chest compressions should be performed for an adult. When performing chest compressions on infants and children up to 8 years of age, a frequency of 100-120 compressions per minute is also recommended.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as CPR, is a comprehensive emergency procedure aimed at restoring vital functions, especially circulation and breathing, in a person whose heart or breathing has stopped. It is an integrated approach to first aid that involves simultaneous actions to restore blood circulation and maintain the supply of oxygen to the body.

PRINCIPLES OF RESUSCITATION FOR ADULTS:

• Assessment of the injured person’s condition

Check if the injured person is breathing properly. You can do this by observing your chest movements, listening to your breathing, or using your own senses.

• Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation

If the victim is not breathing normally, start chest compressions. Place your hands in the center of your chest and perform compressions as directed, maintaining a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

• Set the pace of the compressions

Maintain a regular rate of compressions to ensure an effective circulatory pump.

• Artificial respiration (optional)

If you are trained in first aid, you can use artificial respiration. However, current guidelines emphasize the importance of continuous chest compressions, especially for people who are not trained in first aid.

Before rescue breaths, open the airway, tilt the victim’s head and plug his nose.

• Use of an automated external defibrillator

If an automated external defibrillator is available, use it according to the instructions. Connect the device to the victim’s chest and follow the instructions written on the device.

• Continue CPR until help arrives

Continue rescue activities until medical services arrive or until the injured person starts breathing on his or her own.

PRINCIPLES OF CHILDREN’S RESUSCITATION:

Resuscitation of children differs from that of adults due to their specific needs. For children, it is recommended to use lighter chest pressures and adapt the artificial respiration technique. At the same time, do not abandon the rescue team before the arrival of the emergency service, as it may save the child’s life.

First, you need to assess the injured person’s condition and vital signs. If you have any doubts about your breathing, you need emergency medical attention. During the conversation, provide all necessary information and until the ambulance arrives, perform the following rescue activities:

• Chest compressions – place two fingers in the middle of the chest (in infants) or use two-handed compressions (in older children), maintaining a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Artificial respiration – perform one to two breaths using special mouthpieces or directly into the child’s mouth and nose.
• Automated external defibrillator – use a defibrillator if one is nearby.

The main difference between CPR and resuscitation is the scope of intervention. Resuscitation focuses on restoring one vital function, that is, either circulation or breathing, while resuscitation involves restoring both functions simultaneously. CPR is a more comprehensive form of assistance, which is an extension of resuscitation procedures.

You should also pay attention to the difference in performing resuscitation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Resuscitation may include various techniques such as chest compressions, artificial respiration, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), etc., depending on the situation.

Resuscitation, on the other hand, focuses on a specific sequence of actions, including chest compressions and rescue breaths at a specific rate and proportion – until consciousness is regained.

In practice, when considering whether to perform CPR or resuscitation, the question is usually whether simultaneous cardiopulmonary measures are needed. In most cases of cardiac arrest, it is necessary to start CPR, which involves simultaneous chest compressions and artificial respiration. In situations where cardiac arrest is due to respiratory problems, it may be necessary to take measures aimed primarily at restoring respiratory functions. It is important to open the respiratory tract and restore blood circulation.

Source:https://www.bhp-center.com.pl/reanimacja-a-resuscytacja-przedstawamy-roznice/

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