We continue to hear of people's
sudden death. In recent times
athletes are found to be no
exception. I am talking about
*cardiac Arrest*. Unfortunately,
a lot of people who have heard
about it don't really know much
about it.
It is a problem concerning the
electrical system of the heart.
It happens when the heart
muscles suddenly stop beating
due to the organ's malfunctioning
leading to irregular heart beat or
a complete cessation of the
pumping action of the heart. If
this happens, the person can die
in a minute.
There are some few *signs*
which may indicate that one is
likely to suffer from Cardiac
Arrest. Chest pains and
pressure, shortness of breath,
heart palpitation, flu-like
sensation (such as nausea,
vomiting, back pain and or
abdominal pain) fatigue and
fainting.
The above signs may not
necessarily be for cardiac arrest
but must not be taken lightly
especially those with heart
conditions.
*Risk factors* include: Age,
gender, family history, smoking,
hard drugs and alcohol abuse.
If you are with someone or
chanced upon someone who
suddenly goes into cardiac
arrest, these are the *steps to
follow*:
1. *CALL* for help
Check the victim for
unresponsiveness. If the person
is not responsive and not
breathing or not breathing
normally. Call for ambulance and
return to the victim. In most
locations the emergency
dispatcher can assist you with
CPR instructions.
2. *PUMP*
If the victim is still not
breathing normally, coughing or
moving, begin chest
compressions. Push down in the
center of the chest 2 inches 30
times. Pump hard and fast at the
rate of at least 100/minute,
faster than once per second.
3. *BLOW*
Tilt the head back and lift the
chin. Pinch nose and cover the
mouth with yours and blow until
you see the chest rise. Give 2
breaths. Each breath should take
1 second.
Help spread this message to
create more awareness to save
lives.
