1000's of lives are lost each year through people suffering from out of hospital cardiac arrests. This problematic condition causes the heart to stop and is often as a direct result of heart disease.
However, it is also applicable to a wide variety of other conditions, and can even affect pregnant woman. It is therefore essential to learn how to administer cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as the protocol differs from that of the norm.
Anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest quickly becomes starved of oxygen because the heart is no longer capable of pumping oxygenated blood around the body. This is none more so than in the case of a pregnant woman as she needs oxygen not only for herself, but also for her unborn baby. It only takes several minutes for a baby to become brain damaged when a pregnant woman suffers a cardiac arrest. This can be caused through a variety of incidents including during trauma, ectopic pregnancies and during haemorrhage.
Initially the best way of saving mother and baby during cardiac arrest is through CPR, which artificially delivers oxygen around the body. The process is taught globally through a network of first aid training courses, but very few discuss or demonstrate how to modify the approach when dealing with a pregnant woman.
During resuscitation it is essential to place padding under the woman's right buttock, which will have the effect of tilting her towards the left. This effectively moves the weight of the baby off the mother's deep veins, and will encourage the movement of blood back to the heart. Chest compressions can then be carried out as per the normal protocol. The first aider may however need to take extra time to ensure that they are correctly aligned on the breastbone.
CPR should always be carried out on the flattest surface that is available. This may mean moving a pregnant woman from a soft bed / sofa. There is no specific guideline on the amount of tilt that should be applied; however it should never inhibit chest compressions. The best items to raise the body outside of hospitals would be cushions or rolled up towels.
No matter what happens post resuscitation care is going to be absolutely essential. CPR is an invaluable tool in these situations, but ultimately it does not have the capacity to restart the heart of someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest. This is why it is essential that the emergency services are called as soon as it has been established that the pregnant woman has stopped breathing.
No harm can come from using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on a pregnant woman. One should be used if it is readily available, and if the first aider is confident with using it. However, it may be easier in the first aiders mind to focus on CPR and wait for the arrival of the emergency services; who always carry and AED with them.
The pregnant woman's chances of survival may be slim, but this can be dramatically increased with the early application of CPR.
More Information:
Bill Casserley is a dedicated first aid instructor, who regularly volunteers at sporting events. Did you know the skills that were outlined in the article? If not then visit the basic life support training learning zone @ http://www.train-aid.co.uk for free tips.
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