5 Life Saving Techniques Everyone Should Know

Following Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest at the 2020 Euros, talk about lifesaving techniques came on the rise, about how crucial it is that everyone knows how to react in order to save a life. These 5 life saving techniques can mean the difference between life and death for a person.

CPR

CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation is arguably the most important life saving technique to know on this list. CPR is often used to help someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest similar to what happened to Christain Eriksen. CPR should be used when a person is found collapsed and unresponsive without a pulse. The quicker CPR is started the higher the chances of that person’s life being saved, as cardiac arrest can cause death within minutes without immediate help.

The NHS has a set of instructions you can follow on how to perform CPR, which can be found on their website and below. In normal times it isn’t always recommended to perform mouth to mouth resuscitation especially within the times of COVID. That being said, many first aid kits provide apparatus to perform this in a more sanitary manner, although the risk of transmission is still high if either person had the virus. In a life and death situation the risk of transmission may be the lesser of the two situations.

To carry out a chest compression:

1. Place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of the person’s chest. Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers.

2. Position yourself with your shoulders above your hands.

3. Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) on their chest.

4. Keeping your hands on their chest, release the compression and allow the chest to return to its original position.

5. Repeat these compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 times a minute until an ambulance arrives or you become exhausted.

Spotting the Signs of a Stroke/Heart Attack

A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the bloody supply to a part of the brain is cut off; Strokes are a medical emergency, and urgent treatment is essential. Therefore the sooner a person can be treated the less damage that is likely to be done. To spot the symptoms of a stroke the NHS recommends you remember the word FAST.

Face – The face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.

Arms- The person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.

Speech – Their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.

Time – It’s time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.

Life Saving Back Blows & Abdominal Thrusts

Back Blows & Abdominals Thrusts are used to prevent choking caused by someone’s airways being blocked and restricting oxygen from reaching the lungs. According to the NHS, there are two forms of choking mild and severe. In the case of mild choking a person will usually be able to speak, cry, cough, or breathe and they will usually be able to clear the blockage themselves however with a child, encourage them to keep coughing, and if this doesn’t work start back blows. In the event, the choking seems to be severe where the person is unable to speak or cough you need to perform back blows which can be done by:

1. Stand Behind them and slightly to one side, supporting their chest with 1 hand and leaning them forward so the object blocking their airway will come out of the mouth rather than go further down.

2. Give 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

3. Check if the blockage has cleared if not, start 5 abdominals thrusts.

Abdominals thrusts are similar to back blows but instead, you place your arms around the person’s waist and clench 1 first in place above the belly button and with the other hand, you start to pull sharply inwards and upwards 5 times.

In the event, the airway is still blocked after these steps call 999 immediately and continue 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until help arrives. If the person loses consciousness and isn’t breathing begin CPR.

Controlling Bleeding

According to knife crime statistics published by the house of commons, the UK is currently at its highest ever recorded level of knife crime and its crucial people know how to react in the event you see someone who been stabbed and is bleeding. It is recommended that no matter the size of the wound, you should take these steps of action.

• Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.

• Call 999 if you haven’t already done so.

• Lie the person down and lift their feet higher than the rest of their body. This keeps their legs higher than their heart, which helps increase blood flow to the brain and heart.

• Reassure them that they are going be okay and keep pressure on the wound until help arrives.

How to Use an AED

An Automated External Defibrillators (AED) is a life saving device that can help save the life of someone who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. AED’s are located all around the United Kingdom and can be found online via HeartSafe. AED’s are immediately ready to use and equipped with voice instructions and notes to guide you with what steps to take. The majority of AED’s are now automatic meaning they can deliver rhythmic shocks automatically.

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