Moneycontrol News | August 22, 2024
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The most common sign is losing consciousness without any reason. The person collapsing may not respond to stimuli, and there is no breathing or pulse
Sudden loss of consciousness
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In a cardiac arrest, breathing stops altogether, or it is irregular or shallow. This is called agonal breathing and is a sign of severe distress
No or abnormal breathing
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There may be no detectable pulse while checking at the wrist or neck. This shows that the heart is not pumping blood effectively
Absence of pulse
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There will be bluish discolouration of the skin, particularly noticeable around the lips, fingertips, and nail beds on the person. Cyanosis occurs because the body is not receiving enough oxygenated blood
Cyanosis
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Apart from losing consciousness, the person will not respond when you try to wake or stimulate them. They won't move, speak, or react to any touch or sound
Lack of responsiveness
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In some cases, there may be chest pain or discomfort before cardiac arrest occurs. This can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the centre of the chest, which may radiate to other areas like the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Chest pain or discomfort
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In a medical emergency, take immediate action to save the person's life. The first step is to call for emergency medical assistance without delay
Take immediate action
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If you are trained in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), begin by administering 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, followed by 2 breaths
CPR is the saviour
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If you are not trained in CPR, focus on providing continuous chest compressions until help arrives. It can be a vital intervention in maintaining blood flow and oxygenation to the body
Are you trained in CPR?