Pro Dial A Doctor Advice: Things to Know About CPR

We’re all aware of our hearts beating, but what happens if a family member or friend suffered a near drowning, heart attack or cardiac arrest and their heart suddenly stopped beating? Every moment matters to save a person’s life and learning CPR can potentially keep a person alive while you wait for help to arrive. The dial a doctor team at After Hours appreciate how crucial this can be, so here are some things to know about CPR.

CPR Can Keep People Alive Until the Arrival of Medical Help

Once a heart stops beating, brain death can occur in three to four minutes. CPR can help to keep that person alive and is most effective when attempted as quickly as possible. It introduces oxygen into the mouth and artificially circulates blood around the body through chest compressions.

Chest Compressions are Crucial

As mentioned above, mouth to mouth delivers oxygen into the body and while oxygen is vital to keep someone alive, you have a few minutes before delivering oxygen is vital. Once the heart has stopped beating, there will be oxygen remaining in the body for a few minutes that will help to keep the organs and brain alive. However, this oxygen will need help to circulate, and this is why chest compressions are so crucial. The Better Health Channel suggests thinking of music to perform the correct rhythm. Try to think of the Bee Gees song "Staying Alive" and keep the compressions to this beat.

A Defibrillator is More Effective than Performing CPR

You’re likely to have watched defibrillators used on TV but may not have seen them in real life. Defibrillators can attempt to restore the natural rhythm of the heart by delivering an electric shock. These devices are commonly found in sports clubs, community centres, shopping centres, and schools. While performing CPR is not likely to harm the person, if you do have access to a defibrillator, it is likely to be more effective.

Always Call 000 in an Emergency

In an emergency, ideally, you’ll not be alone. This will allow one person to start performing CPR while another calls triple zero. However, it is essential not to delay. You can always begin CPR yourself, and someone can take over when more help arrives. It is vital to keep CPR going until medical help arrives. According to St John’s Ambulance information, it takes an average of nine to 14 minutes for the arrival of an ambulance, but every second counts. So, if you appear to be alone, start CPR and call out for someone to call triple zero.

First Aid Courses Can Save Lives

According to research by the Heart Foundation, 40% of people surveyed do not feel comfortable in delivering CPR. A shocking one in ten said they would not perform CPR on a family member or friend due to their lack of ability. However, as we’ve discussed above, CPR can mean the difference between the person living and dying, so it is crucial. Fortunately, there are many organisations that offer first aid courses that will help you gain the confidence to try CPR if an emergency arises.

If you need to dial a doctor, Perth residents should call us. The After Hours team provides dial a doctor services for all your medical needs.

If you would like further guidance to improve your health and wellbeing from an after hours GP, Perth residents should call us.