If we breathe out carbon dioxide why does CPR work?
In: Biology
The number one goal of CPR is to maintain blood perfusion, which means the proper flow of blood through all tissues. If someone’s cardiovascular system fails to pump blood properly to the brain, the blood will just sit in the vessels and become quickly deoxygenated. Unconsciousness will follow very quickly, probably within 10-20 seconds or less if fresh oxygenated blood does not pass through those critically important blood vessels in the brain. It is important to note the brain has a very high demand for oxygen and energy compared to the rest of the body.
Chest compressions work to promote blood perfusion through manual pumping of the heart. It’s not great, it won’t last forever, but it will keep blood flowing through the brain, even if it isn’t fully oxygenated. The oxygen hungry brain needs something, anything to keep it alive, and the idea is that as you do chest compressions you are also pushing air in and out of the lungs, allowing for some air exchange.
Without rapid advanced life support and transport to medical facilities, the chance of living isn’t too great, something like 10%. This is case-dependent, because there are different scenarios that cause cardiovascular impairment. Maybe there is fibrillation where the heart beats erratically, maybe a myocardial infarction where blood flow is somewhat restricted or even completely cut off to the heart and the tissue starts to die.
What CPR does is buy time by allowing the flow of precious oxygenated blood to the brain and other sensitive tissues, so that advanced lifesaving measures may be taken. Defibrillation is also extremely important, and if an AED is nearby it is paramount that someone who knows what they’re doing hooks it up to the person.
The steps to save someone’s life who is likely suffering a cardiac emergency is: Check the pulse and breathing, have someone CALL 911! Perform chest compressions at a rate of at least 60 per minute, perhaps with a rescue breath every 30 seconds if you are comfortable. If there is an AED nearby, get it and use it.
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