5. Measures Taken in the Case of Circulatory Arrest

In the case of circulatory arrest there is utmost danger of life!

In any circumstances, even if one rescuer is alone with the injured person, rescue measures have to be started! Call for help!

With unconsciousness, missing pulse beat, respiratory arrest, wide pupils that show no reaction carry out cardiac massage in addition to artificial respiration - if possible simultaneously by a second person.

Figure 10 - Cardiac massage with simultaneous mouth-to-nose respiration

Do not practise first aid for circulatory arrest by a person for exercising purpose. It must be applied only in case of emergency. Exercises are made with the help of a dummy. (On living people all required measures are only indicated.)

Principle of cardiac massage

- Using the weight of the body of the rescuer, the heart sac of the injured person is pressed together and his blood forced into the main artery. A pumping effect is created.

Figure 11 - Principle of cardiac massage

- By relieving the pressure suddenly, chest and heart can reexpand.

A suction effect at the heart is created and the blood can flow towards the heart.

- By rhythmical squeezing and letting go (approximately 60 strokes a minute) blood circulation is forced. (If this is carried out correctly, a blood pressure of up to 40 % of the normal blood pressure is archieved.)

Carrying out of the cardiac massage

Before beginning with the cardiac massage, 10 artificial breaths have to be given in natural breathing rhythm. If after 10 artificial breaths no pulse beat is to be noted, cardiac massage has to be started.

- Bed the injured person on a hard pad.

- Kneel down by the side of the injured person.

- Put your left hand on the chest of the injured person. The wrist should lie on the lower end of the injured person's breast bone.

- Put your right hand on your left wrist.

- Press the breast bone of the injured person 3 to 4 cm towards his spinal column rhythmically approximately 60 to 80 times per minute.

Figure 12 - Cardiac massage

Attention! With too strong pressure, there is the risk of rib and breast bone fractures.

Cardiac massage has to be combined with artificial respiration at the ratio 4:1. This means that 12 strokes of cardiac massage are followed by 3 artificial breaths.

Continue the cardiac massage till independent heart action starts or if the doctor orders to stop the measure.

Further measure to stimulate heart beating are allowed to be taken only by the medical doctor.

Mistakes with cardiac massage

- Hands are not put in the correct place on the breast bone.
- The ratio of cardiac massage and artificial respiration is wrong.
- Pressure on the breast bone is too strong.

Why must the rescuer never stop resuscitation measures on his own?
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