Chest compressions are a vital method of first aid used to dislodge foreign objects trapped in the upper airway, as well as to get blood flowing in the event of cardiac arrest. This technique involves placing the hands in the center of the breastbone and applying chest compressions using sufficient pressure to expel the obstruction or stimulate the victim's heart.
It is important to note that chest compressions should only be performed by a trained and competent rescuer. It is critical to follow proper first aid procedures, including checking vital signs and respiratory function, before using this technique. Rescuers must be aware of the potential risks associated with chest compressions, such as rib fractures or internal injuries, and be able to manage them if necessary.
Chest compressions can be used if the victim is unresponsive, unconscious, choking, and the standard Heimlich method cannot be applied. In the event of upper airway obstruction, prompt action is essential to prevent choking and avoid further injury or damage.
Definition and Meaning
Chest compressions are a first aid technique used in the event of airway obstruction in a conscious or unconscious victim. This technique involves pressing firmly on the victim's sternum to compress the heart and force air out of the lungs, in order to clear an obstructed airway caused by a foreign object. Chest compressions must be performed quickly and forcefully to be effective, but they must also be performed carefully to avoid injury to the victim. Chest compressions are an important step in CPR and can help save the life of a person in respiratory distress.
In case of upper airway obstruction
Chest compression is indicated when the victim is conscious and choking (total upper airway obstruction) but the rescuer cannot perform the classic Heimlich method (e.g. pregnant woman, obese person or unconscious victim for whom insufflations are not successful). In a conscious victim, the rescuer should assume the same position as for the Heimlich method (behind the victim, with the victim's back against the rescuer's chest) and place the hands on the middle of the sternum to perform chest compressions. The purpose of this technique is to create excess pressure in the lungs to dislodge the foreign body.
It is important to note that chest compressions should also be performed on an unconscious, non-breathing victim. The purpose of this technique is identical to that performed on a conscious victim, i.e., to create excess pressure in the lungs to dislodge the foreign body.
In the event of cardiac arrest, chest compressions maintain minimal blood flow, sending oxygenated blood to the vital organs. Chest compressions should be combined with breaths to maintain minimal oxygenation of the tissues. Chest compressions should be performed with precision and speed, and their frequency and amplitude should be respected to increase the victim's chances of survival. It is important to remember that these first aid procedures must be performed by a trained and competent rescuer.
In case of cardiac arrest
If the victim is unconscious, not breathing and has no heartbeat, chest compressions can get the blood flowing. Chest compressions maintain minimal blood flow, sending oxygenated blood to the vital organs. Chest compressions should be combined with breaths to maintain minimal oxygenation of the tissues. Chest compressions should be performed with precision and speed, and their frequency and amplitude should be respected to increase the victim's chances of survival. It is important to remember that these first aid procedures must be performed by a trained and competent rescuer.
In brief
Chest compression is a life-saving first aid technique for upper airway obstruction and cardiac arrest. It must be performed with precision and speed to increase the victim's chance of survival.