How To Address Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The Independent lifestyle opportunities Organised a Cardiac Arrest (CPR) training at the Goderich Community Center in Freetown, with the Theme: “Saving, Serving, and providing Emergency protection and prevention to the Community.” This is mainly a safety training program that mainly focuses on saving lives of individuals.
Speaking at the Event, John Tarawalli, CEO and Founder of the organization, explained the meaning of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and Heart attack. He mentioned that SCA is an abrupt loss of the heart function, breathing and consciousness. This is caused by an electrical malfunction in the heart that results in an irregular heartbeat, which can lead to the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively to the brain, lungs and other organs. Heart Attack, he mentioned, occurs when blood flows to a path of the heart is blocked, often by a build up of fat, cholesterol and other substances, which form a plaque in the coronary arteries. This blockage can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. The symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest includes sudden collapse, no pulse, nobreating and loss of consciousness, while Heart Attack symptoms include chest pain or discomfort that may spread to the Arm, back neck, jaw, or stomach. Nausea and vomiting can also be a symptom.
He clearly mentioned that sometimes these attacks don’t come with a sign, but happen suddenly.
Mr Tarawallie further gave the sudden Treatment for these Attacks. For Sudden Cardiac Arrest, its immediate treatment is crucial, which can include Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), to manually pump blood to vital organs. Also the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Advanced medical care, including medications and potential implantable Cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
Heart Attack treatment focuses on restoring blood flow to heart muscle and may include: Medication such as Aspirin, thrombolytic, anticoagulants and pain relievers, Procedures like angioplasty to open block arteries, Coronary artery bypass surgery to create a new path for blood flow around the blood artery.
Role of CPR in Assisting SCA: includes Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a critical emergency procedure performed when someone experiences SCA. The primary goal of CPR is to restore partial flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart until normal heart function is restored, either by spontaneous recovery or through medical intervention. Here’s how CPR assists in SCA:
Maintains Blood Flow:
CPR involves chest compressions that manually pump blood through the heart and to the rest of the body. This helps maintain circulation of oxygenated blood to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, delaying tissue death and extending the window of survival.
Facilitates Oxygen Delivery:
When combined with rescue breaths, CPR ensures that oxygen is delivered to the lungs and circulated through the bloodstream, providing critical oxygen to the body’s tissues.

Increases Chances of Survival:
Immediate and effective CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing SCA. For each minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by about 7-10%.
Buys Time for Defibrillation:
CPR is often used in conjunction with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). While CPR maintains circulation, an AED can be used to deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. Prompt CPR followed by defibrillation within the first few minutes of SCA can greatly enhance survival rates.
Steps of CPR:
Check Responsiveness and Call for Help: Dial the Free Toll line 117. Ensure the person is unresponsive and not breathing. Call emergency services immediately.
Start Chest Compressions:
Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, with the other hand on top. Push hard and fast, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, allowing the chest to recoil fully between compressions.
Provide Rescue Breaths (if trained):
After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths by tilting the person’s head back, lifting their chin, and blowing into their mouth until you see the chest rise. Continue with cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
Use an AED:
As soon as an AED is available, turn it on and follow the prompts. Continue CPR until the AED is ready to analyze and deliver a shock, if needed.
By understanding SCA and the role of CPR, individuals can be better prepared to respond to such emergencies, potentially saving lives through timely and effective action.