Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can prove invaluable in keeping a person alive. The lifesaving technique is used when a person suffers from a cardiac arrest. Cardio means relating to the heart while pulmonary means relating to the lungs. So, CPR resuscitation pertains to both; the heart and the lungs.

A lot of people don’t know how CPR helps a heart attack victim stay alive. Here you will learn exactly how the resuscitation technique helps in saving the life of a person whose heart has stopped beating.

How CPR Actually Work?

Performing CPR is the best way to sustain life until professional help arrives. When a person suffers from a cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood inside the body. If the oxygenated blood does not reach critical body organs such as the brain, it can result in permanent damage.

CPR allows oxygenated blood to circulate inside the body in the event of a cardiac arrest. The procedure ensures that oxygen reaches critical parts of the body, thereby preventing serious damage. The rescuer pumps about 100 times in a minute. This ensures the oxygenated blood flows from the heart to different body organs.

But how do organs get damaged if they don’t receive oxygenated blood?

If a person does not receive CPR immediately after a cardiac arrest, the supply of oxygenated blood to different parts of the body is disrupted. This results in the breakdown of multiple organ cells that will eventually lead to the death of a person. Brain cells begin to die if they don’t receive oxygenated blood for four to six minutes. In case the cells don’t receive oxygen within 10 minutes, the brain will cease to function.

Performing CPR ensures that vital organs such as the brain continue to receive oxygenated blood. The rescuer needs to perform CPR until medical help arrives. By performing CPR, you are performing the function of the heart. The compressions circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body, providing a temporary solution until the heart is revived.

Conclusion

CPR can increase the survival chances of a person who suffers from a heart attack. When a person suffers from a heart attack, the supply of oxygen is disrupted. Performing CPR ensures that oxygen reaches critical parts of the body without delay. This delays the death of the tissues, thereby saving the life of a victim.

Remember that you need to learn the correct procedures of performing CPR. Online CPR certification is a convenient and affordable way to learn about the life-saving skill. This will allow you to play your part as a responsible citizen, providing assistance to heart attack or drowning victims.