The brain starts to die after 4 minutes if oxygen is not available. Last month, a hockey player participating in the Dorval Oldtimers’ Tournament collapsed on the ice. One of the referees, who happened to be a trained first responder, utilized a defibrillator to revive him.
What to do during an emergency?
If an individual had an attack and collapses, there are steps that must be done while waiting for the paramedics or first responders to arrive.
- Shout for help and ask someone to call for 911 and get an automated external defibrillator (AED). If alone, call 911 and get an AED if one is available.
- Check the breathing of the individual. If not breathing or only gasping, perform CPR.
- Push hard and fast. Use an AED if one is on hand. If not, continue to push until the person starts to breathe or until some with advanced training takes over.
It is best to use an AED but, in most instances, one is not available close by. Almost up to 80% of cases of cardiac arrest occur in houses and public places and 35-55% are witnessed by a family member, friend or co-worker.
Remember that the life you save with CPR is mostly someone you love. Sadly, most people who witness cardiac arrest do not perform CPR.
If an unconscious individual is not breathing, permanent brain damage starts after only 4 minutes without oxygen and death can occur as early as 4-6 minutes after. This is the reason why every adult should learn hands-only CPR. This technique emphasize compression over rescue breathing and airway.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a first aid and CPR class and for more information, check out these sources:
Wikipedia – Cardiac Arrest: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
WebMD – CPR: New Defibrillators and Techniques
Wikipedia – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Overview and Procedures