My CPR experiences

Another 4 months before my final exam. As usual, we were trained and taught with the Basic Life Support. 2 years in clinical years and I had just did 5 CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). Out of my limited experience, 2 manage to survive meanwhile another 3 cannot be safe. Those cannot be save were happened within the recent week. One of them was an Indian during Deepavali.

This man was brought into Emergency Department at the evening of Deepavali. At that time, I was happened to be in Emergency Department during my surgery on call. We started Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation but the patient was unable to go through it. What make me feel sad was the moment when the doctor in-charged breaking bad news to the family members. The Emergency Department was crowded with 20 to 30 friends and relatives of this Indian Man. The moment when the doctor inform the family and relatives, I felt that it was really quiet with that slow running time at that moment. Break of the silence started with tears which floaded the Emergency Department.

It was an Deepavali for Indians. No body will ever wish their family members to leave them behind especially in a big celebration like this. For them, a happy celebration ended up with tears.

Another limited experience of mine was a Chinese Man brought in with Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack). Patient was cyanosed when he arrived in Emergency Department. We started with CPR and the patient was survive with the CPR. This make me feel great as I was able to help the patient.

CPR is something can be performed by any individual provided they know what they are doing. Taking a course and having a proper training will make you understand the CPR better and perform better.

Before we conduct a CPR, remember DR. ABC!!!
D = Danger. Make sure that the place and condition is safe for you to conduct the CPR.
R = Response. Tap or shake his or her shoulder and ask loudly, "Are you OK?" Proceed if the patient is not responding.
. = Stopped! Call for help. Ask someone nearby to call 999 (In Malaysia)
A = Airway. Make sure the airway is patent. AIRWAY: Clear the airway
Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface.
Kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders.
Open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway. If there is foreign body, evacuated it out.
B = Breathing. Use 5 seconds to check for normal breathing. Look for chest motion, listen for breath sounds, and feel for the person's breath on your cheek and ear. If the person isn't breathing normally and you are trained in CPR, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. Pinch the nose for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal. Then give 2 rescue breath. Make sure the chest rises during each breath.
If you believe the person is unconscious from a heart attack and you haven't been trained in emergency procedures, skip mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and proceed directly to chest compressions to restore circulation.
C = Circulation. Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person's chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands. Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push straight down on (compress) the chest 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters). Do it fast and hard. After 30 compression, repeat with "B" statement with 2 breaths. Then repeat "C" and "B". You may check the pulse again in every 5 cycles of "B" and "C". Do it until there is sign of movement or Ambulance arrive.

Please always refer to the standard guide of CPR and go through a proper training course. It is a life saving procedure. By the way, the method mention above is only applicable to adult. Children would need another method. I had come across with the website of The Heart Foundation of Malaysaia (Yayasan Jantung Malaysia) and I believe they can provide a training to you. If free, please have a look on what they do in there.
* Any mistake, please inform me.
* Always refer to the proper guide and update yourself with the newest CPR method.