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Take CRP to heart

When someone suffers an acute cardiac arrest, every minute counts. Resuscitation with chest compressions can save lives. We explain how it is done.

Around 8000 people in Switzerland suffer from sudden cardiac arrest every year. A person will die within a few minutes if, in addition to raising the alarm, resuscitation measures are not immediately initiated and maintained until the emergency services arrive on the scene. 

It is important to know what to do if a person’s heart stops beating, as the lack of blood supply to the brain can lead to severe brain damage within a matter of minutes. However, many people have an unfounded fear of doing something wrong and refrain from taking any action.

Most importantly: provide assistance until medical help arrives 

What are the symptoms of a cardiac arrest? 
The two most important warning signs: a person suddenly becomes unconscious and stops breathing. When this happens, there is no time to lose and you should immediately call emergency number 144 or alert Rega via emergency number 1414 or the Rega app. Do this yourself or explicitly ask a passer-by to do so. 

Chest compressions must be commenced immediately and continued until the patient responds or medical professionals arrive. Chest compressions are physically demanding: it is therefore advisable to call for people nearby to help so that you can take turns and someone can fetch a defibrillator.

How to perform a resuscitation (CPR)

• Ask someone nearby to fetch a defibrillator (AED) (see Defikarte.ch) 
• If you are on the line to an emergency call centre: switch your phone to loudspeaker so that they can guide you through the steps over the phone.
• Lay the person flat on their back on a firm surface. 
• Kneel beside them at chest height.

• Place the heel of your hand in the centre of the person’s chest, then place your other hand on top of your first hand. Keeping your arms straight, push straight down on their chest to a depth of 5–6 cm at a fast and steady rate: 2 compressions per second or 100–120 per minute. The song, “Stayin’ alive”, by the Bee Gees provides the correct beat for doing the compressions.

• If other helpers are present: take it in turns and relieve each other every 2 minutes. Keep the interruption as short as possible. 
• When the defibrillator arrives: switch it on and follow the instructions. Keep doing compressions until the emergency services arrive.

Questions and answers about resuscitation (CPR)

During resuscitation, a considerable amount of force needs to be applied to the patient’s chest to ensure that blood is pumped to the brain. This can result in fractured ribs. But don’t worry: a broken rib is not life-threatening – but a heart that is not beating is.

It is easier to focus just on the chest compressions. This has proved to be a simple and extremely effective measure. However, ventilation is also important during resuscitation. If you have the confidence to ventilate the patient, then do so through the nose at a ratio of 30 to 2 – that is, 30 compressions followed by two breaths through the nose – preferably without any interruptions in between.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) treats cardiac arrhythmias by delivering an electric shock to the heart to “reset” it and get it beating again on its own. AEDs can be operated by untrained persons and are available in many public places, such as train stations or shopping centres.

Further information

Locations of all public defibrillators: Defikarte.ch
Schweizerische Herzstiftung: swissheart.ch
Swiss Resuscitation Council SCL: resuscitation.ch

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