Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: the power to save lives

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is understood as the sudden, unexpected and catastrophic cessation of systemic circulation, useful ventricular and ventilatory activity. It is essential that any individual is aware of the risk factors, epidemiology, has minimal knowledge to recognize a CPA early and can proceed appropriately to provide quality support to the victim. The advances in terms of technology, treatment and prevention are notorious, however, many lives are still lost due to the poor quality of a first care. The study aimed to understand the level of knowledge and train the population about risk factors, epidemiology, early recognition, correct initial approach, cardiac compressions and quality ventilation, in order to reduce the incidence of mortality and improve the prognosis of patients in cardiac arrest. An exploratory intervention was used, bringing knowledge objectively, through banners, folders and lectures in easy-to-understand language, providing quality and relevant information so that listeners could acquire indispensable skills and actually change lives. The actions took place in a Basic Health Unit (BHU), on previously established days and times, always striving to reach as many people as possible. Recognizing early and knowing how to conduct a CPA until specialized help arrives is of fundamental importance, but unfortunately the largest part of the population approached demonstrated to be unaware of the basics on the subject. Unpreparedness regarding risk factors, initial signs and symptoms and, mainly, regarding the initial approach and effective cardiac compressions, was present in most of the target audience. Urgent and emergency situations can result in serious clinical outcomes, sequels and even death of the victims. A trained layperson, capable of identifying and carrying out the necessary actions, can considerably improve the prognosis of victims who are in an urgent or emergency situation in society. It is important to provide quality and effective care, so that the victims do not have sequelae or, if they do, that these are minimal. Fast and efficient help is essential to avoid irreversible neurological damage, in addition to the risk of death that increases every minute. For this, it is necessary to start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers as early as possible, even by a person who is not in the health area until specialized help arrives. In view of the results obtained, it is concluded that training on basic life support in cardiac arrest is still a little-known topic among the public addressed, which reflects a common scenario among the lay population and reinforces the importance of carrying out studies such as this in society, in order to disseminate basic knowledge that saves lives. It is essential that cardiopulmonary resuscitation training is not something exclusive to health professionals, the lay population needs to be guided so that they know how to act correctly in critical moments. The activities carried out spread health knowledge and provided subsidy so that the part of the contemplated population can also act as health educators.