CPR – or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Globally, cardiac arrest claims more lives than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, pneumonia, auto accidents, HIV, firearms, and house fires combined.
The location of Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA) most often occurs in homes/residences (70%), followed by public settings (18.8%), and nursing homes (11.2%).
If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out of hospital cardiac arrest.
The chain of events for the out of hospital cardiac arrest improves outcome
Bystander knowledge of basic life support (BLS) is essential for improving the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest.
According to the United States data in 2017, 10.4% of OHCA patients survived to hospital discharge. In Europe, 10.3% of OHCA patients survived for at least 30 days or to hospital discharge. A study published in 2017 found that the figure for Hong Kong was even lower: only 2.3% of OHCA patients survived for at least 30 days or to hospital discharge. Furthermore, knowledge of automatic external defibrillator use and first aid training among the general public in Hong Kong are also low.
The above mentioned figures can potentially be improved with early CPR initiation by the public.
The awareness with the public can be initiated with the involvement with school children. They being the building block of any society.
In many countries, such as USA and Norway, BLS is a compulsory part of school education.
BLS course consisting of lecture and practice components can improve primary school students’ knowledge, while enhancing their skills and attitude towards CPR. Despite children having less strength than adults, they have the required psychomotor skills and are able to perform BLS after practice sessions. This correlated with many studies in Europe and Australia, supporting that BLS and first-aid training can help develop the skill and knowledge of life support in children. Moreover, this may cultivate children’s confidence to help other victims.
The importance of education of basic life support skills in schools at the upper primary level is reiterated by the American resuscitation councils step 8 of the 10 steps recommended to improve outcomes
- Establish a cardiac arrest registry
- Implement telephone CPR with ongoing training and QI
- Implement high-performance CPR with ongoing training and QI
- Implement rapid dispatch
- Record all attempted resuscitations
- Begin a program in police defibrillation
- Use smart technologies to extend CPR and AED use
- Mandatory CPR and AED training in schools and communities
Over half of U.S. states require CPR/AED training in high schools; many public agencies also require CPR and AED awareness. The more people trained, the higher the likelihood that lifesaving interventions can occur prior to the arrival of EMS personnel. - Strive for accountability
- Work toward a culture of excellence
A GAME PLAN FOR SURVIVAL
While it may not be easy to incorporate these 10 actions into our community, change starts with a desire to make things happen — and that starts with you. With the foundation we are striving to make a start with education at the primary school level the Basic Life Support skills
Lets change this scenario with education and awareness
