Proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

When you find someone in distress, call emergency services immediately and place the victim on their back, performing chest compressions, paying attention to the position, speed, and intensity of the compressions.

Dr. Ngo Duc Hung, from the A9 Emergency Center at Bach Mai Hospital, stated that basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the first step in treating cardiac arrest and needs to be performed immediately. This aims to maintain circulation and oxygen to the brain and other organs until the pre-hospital emergency team arrives to use advanced CPR techniques or other interventions.

To provide emergency assistance to a victim, the following steps should be followed: Assess the scene - Conduct an initial assessment - Call for help - Administer first aid and transport.

First, ensure the scene is safe for yourself before providing first aid to the victim. For example, quickly observe and look for potentially dangerous elements such as fire, explosions, electrical sources, toxic gases, etc.

Assess the victim's awareness by stimulating them and asking loudly if they are alright. Look at the chest and body to see if the victim is moving or breathing normally.

"These are the first steps in providing emergency care to someone who has unfortunately been injured," said Dr. Hung.

Doctors instruct patients on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Photo: Thanh Duong — Doctors instruct patients on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Photo: *Thanh Duong*

After ensuring safety, three situations need attention: the victim is still conscious; the victim is unconscious but still breathing and has a detectable pulse; the victim is unconscious, has stopped breathing, and has no pulse.

For victims who are still conscious and alert : They should be placed in the most comfortable position to aid their recovery.

For unconscious victims who still have breathing and a pulse : They should be placed in a safe side-lying position, provided there is no spinal injury, to protect their breathing.

For victims who are unconscious, have stopped breathing, and have no pulse : It is essential to understand and perform basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

First, call emergency services and place the victim on a hard, flat surface, lying on their back. When performing chest compressions, pay attention to the position, speed, and intensity of the compressions. The frequency should be 100-120 compressions per minute, with sufficient force to cause the chest to sink down 5 cm. The correct compression location is the lower half of the sternum or between the nipples. The person performing the compressions should kneel, with their arms perpendicular to the patient's body. Perform 2 breaths for every 30 chest compressions.

Dr. Hung also noted that during first aid, it is important to control the patient's airway. Specifically, it is necessary to determine if the patient has any foreign objects, dentures, or mucus lodged in their airway. If so, the airway must be cleared.

In addition to providing first aid, call emergency services (115) by shouting loudly for help from those around you. If you are alone, turn on the speakerphone on your phone to exchange information and receive continuous guidance from emergency personnel while still assisting the victim.

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