Why Is CPR So Important?

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide, and it can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, their heart suddenly stops pumping blood, meaning oxygenated blood is no longer being delivered to vital organs, especially the brain. Without immediate intervention, irreversible brain damage can occur within minutes, and death soon follows.

CPR helps by

Keeping the blood flowing: Chest compressions mimic the pumping action of the heart, circulating oxygenated blood to the brain and other organs.

Buying time: CPR doesn’t restart the heart, but it maintains circulation until advanced medical help, such as defibrillation or medication, can restore a normal heartbeat.

Increasing survival chances: When performed correctly and promptly, CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival after cardiac arrest.

What Is CPR Trying to Achieve?

CPR is a lifesaving technique that involves a combination of chest compressions and, in some cases, rescue breaths. Its goal is to keep blood and oxygen circulating through the body until the heart can be restarted, either through defibrillation or professional medical care.

Here’s what CPR aims to accomplish

Maintain Blood Circulation: When the heart stops beating, oxygenated blood stops circulating through the body. Chest compressions aim to manually pump the heart, pushing blood to vital organs, especially the brain.

Preserve Brain Function: Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within 4-6 minutes. CPR helps maintain a minimal flow of oxygenated blood to the brain, preventing brain damage during cardiac arrest.

Support Breathing: In some cases, CPR may include rescue breaths (depending on the training or the emergency). These breaths provide oxygen to the lungs, which is then circulated by the chest compressions.

Bridge to Advanced Care: CPR is a critical first step before advanced medical care (such as defibrillation or medication) can be administered. It doesn’t solve the problem, but it keeps the body viable until further treatment is possible.

The Chain of Survival

The Chain of Survival is a concept developed to describe the key steps needed to improve the chances of survival for someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. Each link in the chain represents an essential action that contributes to a successful resuscitation and recovery. The stronger each link, the better the chances of survival and recovery without long-term damage.

Here are the five key links in the Chain of Survival

Early Recognition and Call for Help: The first step is identifying that someone is in cardiac arrest and quickly calling emergency services. Recognizing the signs—such as a lack of responsiveness, irregular or no breathing, and no pulse—is crucial. The sooner help is called, the faster emergency medical services (EMS) can respond.

Action Step: Immediately call 999 (or your local emergency number) if you witness someone collapse or show signs of cardiac arrest. Early recognition is vital to getting help on the way as soon as possible.

Early CPR: Once cardiac arrest is identified, starting CPR immediately can keep blood and oxygen circulating through the body, preventing brain damage and other organ failure. Even if you're not formally trained, hands-only CPR (chest compressions) can still make a difference until professional help arrives.

Action Step: Start chest compressions immediately. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

Early Defibrillation: A defibrillator, or AED (Automated External Defibrillator), can deliver an electric shock to the heart, potentially restoring a normal heartbeat. Early defibrillation greatly increases the chances of survival, especially when administered within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.

Action Step: Use an AED if one is available. Most public places now have AEDs, and they are designed to be user-friendly, providing audio instructions to guide you through the process. Apply the AED pads and follow the device’s prompts.

Advanced Life Support: Once professional medical responders arrive, they provide advanced life support, which includes additional interventions like medications, advanced airway management, and continued defibrillation if necessary. Their expertise and equipment can stabilize the patient and prepare them for transport to the hospital.

Action Step: Continue CPR until medical professionals arrive and can take over. Your early efforts in performing CPR and using an AED make a huge difference in bridging the gap before they arrive.

The Importance of CPR Training

Knowing how to perform CPR effectively can save lives, but it’s a skill that needs to be learned and practiced. Attending a certified CPR course provides hands-on experience, allowing you to practice chest compressions, rescue breathing, and using an AED. By learning CPR, you’re not only preparing yourself to respond in an emergency but also becoming a key link in someone else’s Chain of Survival.

At Invictus Strategic Solutions, our first aid and CPR courses are designed to give you the confidence and skills to act quickly and effectively in emergencies. Delivered by current frontline emergency staff, our training ensures you’re prepared to be the critical first responder when every second counts.

CPR is a vital, life-saving skill that can significantly increase a person's chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest. By understanding what CPR aims to achieve and following the Chain of Survival, you can make a real difference in an emergency situation. Whether you’re a parent, a colleague, or simply a passerby, knowing how to perform CPR could one day save a life.