Dear all,
I wanted to inquire about the question Mr. Kesava had asked. During a discussion, someone mentioned that exhaled air is rich in CO2, which acts as a catalyst or something. However, I disagreed with this statement. Hence, I decided to bring this question to this forum.
Thank you, Mr. Raghu, Dipil, R.P. Singh, and Mr. Pillai, for your replies.
Regards,
Hansa Vyas
From India, Udaipur
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203I wanted to inquire about the question Mr. Kesava had asked. During a discussion, someone mentioned that exhaled air is rich in CO2, which acts as a catalyst or something. However, I disagreed with this statement. Hence, I decided to bring this question to this forum.
Thank you, Mr. Raghu, Dipil, R.P. Singh, and Mr. Pillai, for your replies.
Regards,
Hansa Vyas
From India, Udaipur
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Dear Mr. Hansa,
Thank you for your comment.
This is pertaining to what you have just mentioned about the catalytical action of CO2. Actually speaking, it is concerned with the mechanism of breathing and a bit complex phenomenon.
Why do we breathe and how do we breathe?
The rate of breathing depends upon the requirement of oxygen by the body and is sensed through receptors by the Medulla Oblongata. If the level of CO2 in the blood is high, it is sensed by the medulla, which then releases a message to the respiratory muscles to increase the respiratory rate. Similarly, if the oxygen level is high in the blood, it signals for a decrease in the respiratory rate. Thus, CO2 also acts as a catalyst for increasing the rate of respiration.
This is the simplest way I have presented here for people to understand the mechanism of breathing.
It is a highly complex mechanism dependent on the pH of blood and other brain structures, and the brain center reciprocates accordingly.
CO2 acts as a catalyst only when breathing is present, affecting the rate but unable to initiate breathing in the absence of spontaneous respiration. In such cases, the role of CO2 has an adverse effect on the tissues.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand that in cases of no breathing, external means must be used to initiate breathing, such as CPR. Providing oxygen to brain tissue is vital in the absence of breathing, achieved through mouth-to-mouth respiration.
Non-medical individuals should know how to assess whether a victim is breathing or has a pulse. Understand the time required for assessment and the necessary actions for the successful revival of the victim. Knowing whether to check for a pulse first or breathing, and the correct methods for assessment, is essential. Managing injuries to prevent fatalities is not overly complex but requires thorough practice and training.
Regards,
RP Singh (Ravi)
Healthcare Trainer
7620958102
From India, Bangalore
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Thank you for your comment.
This is pertaining to what you have just mentioned about the catalytical action of CO2. Actually speaking, it is concerned with the mechanism of breathing and a bit complex phenomenon.
Why do we breathe and how do we breathe?
The rate of breathing depends upon the requirement of oxygen by the body and is sensed through receptors by the Medulla Oblongata. If the level of CO2 in the blood is high, it is sensed by the medulla, which then releases a message to the respiratory muscles to increase the respiratory rate. Similarly, if the oxygen level is high in the blood, it signals for a decrease in the respiratory rate. Thus, CO2 also acts as a catalyst for increasing the rate of respiration.
This is the simplest way I have presented here for people to understand the mechanism of breathing.
It is a highly complex mechanism dependent on the pH of blood and other brain structures, and the brain center reciprocates accordingly.
CO2 acts as a catalyst only when breathing is present, affecting the rate but unable to initiate breathing in the absence of spontaneous respiration. In such cases, the role of CO2 has an adverse effect on the tissues.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand that in cases of no breathing, external means must be used to initiate breathing, such as CPR. Providing oxygen to brain tissue is vital in the absence of breathing, achieved through mouth-to-mouth respiration.
Non-medical individuals should know how to assess whether a victim is breathing or has a pulse. Understand the time required for assessment and the necessary actions for the successful revival of the victim. Knowing whether to check for a pulse first or breathing, and the correct methods for assessment, is essential. Managing injuries to prevent fatalities is not overly complex but requires thorough practice and training.
Regards,
RP Singh (Ravi)
Healthcare Trainer
7620958102
From India, Bangalore
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Dear Hansa,
Many thanks for bringing this question to the discussion. Many concepts have become clearer.
@ Keshav Pillai
Dear Sir, thank you for your participation and for sharing your experience.
@ R.P Singh
Dear Sir, thank you for your great explanations. It has helped me to learn more about the topic. Can you please tell me what ratio should be followed if there is one first aider and in the case of two first aiders for imparting CPR? How many cycles of mouth-to-mouth respiration should be followed by chest compressions?
Dear Raghu, great participation and thanks for keeping the forum alive.
Keep up the good work!
From India
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Many thanks for bringing this question to the discussion. Many concepts have become clearer.
@ Keshav Pillai
Dear Sir, thank you for your participation and for sharing your experience.
@ R.P Singh
Dear Sir, thank you for your great explanations. It has helped me to learn more about the topic. Can you please tell me what ratio should be followed if there is one first aider and in the case of two first aiders for imparting CPR? How many cycles of mouth-to-mouth respiration should be followed by chest compressions?
Dear Raghu, great participation and thanks for keeping the forum alive.
Keep up the good work!
From India
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Dear ravelove,
Thank you for your explanation. I am from a science biology background, so this is sparking my interest in understanding the hidden processes that our bodies undergo.
Just one more question: will CO2 play any role if a person is unconscious or during CPR?
Thank you all for participating.
Regards,
Ms. Hansa Vyas
From India, Udaipur
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Thank you for your explanation. I am from a science biology background, so this is sparking my interest in understanding the hidden processes that our bodies undergo.
Just one more question: will CO2 play any role if a person is unconscious or during CPR?
Thank you all for participating.
Regards,
Ms. Hansa Vyas
From India, Udaipur
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Dear Mr. Dipil,
Dear Mr. Hansa,
I am writing here regarding the queries posted by both of you.
Let us understand that the most important part of First Aid is the assessment of the victim since time is crucial. Therefore, the assessment of the victim has to be done methodically and quickly. There is a very thin line between correct assessment and incorrect assessment, and if the assessment is wrong, it can be catastrophic.
During the assessment, only a first aider can learn about these three important stages of the patient/victim/casualty, which are:
1. Unconsciousness
2. Patient with respiratory arrest
3. Cardiac Arrest
Unconsciousness is the stage where breathing and pulse are present, but the patient is not responding to verbal commands, and vital functions (breaths, pulse) may be slightly suppressed. Unconsciousness can occur due to any metabolic disturbance or exposure to extreme temperatures and may be idiopathic (reason unknown).
Such patients should be supported with external oxygen at a rate of 4-6 liters using a Venti mask or nasal prongs. Do not give mouth-to-mouth respiration or chest compressions. Also, provide the recovery position, and if the patient was exposed to low temperatures, cover them with a blanket to preserve body heat. Do not give anything to eat or drink orally.
Respiratory Arrest:
During assessment, if there is no breathing but a pulse is present, give initial 2 breaths and then check for the pulse. If the pulse is present, continue mouth-to-mouth respiration at a rate of 10-12 breaths per minute. Simultaneously, evacuate the patient to the hospital, as such a patient may progress to cardiac arrest.
Cardiac Arrest:
If, upon assessment, there are no breaths (give 2 breaths) and no pulse is found, give compressions. Continue to provide compressions and evacuate the patient with CPR.
I have elaborated on CPR previously; I would like to mention again that if the patient is in a state of Unconsciousness or Cardiac Arrest, the role of CO2 is minimal and falls outside the scope of first aiders. CO2 levels are considered in operating theaters where patients are under anesthesia; there, factors like end tidal volume of CO2 are monitored.
Now, regarding the sequences of CPR ingredients:
CPR consists of mouth-to-mouth respiration and chest compressions.
It is important to note that when CPR is performed, at least two first aiders should be present, as it is a strenuous process that requires assistance.
In the case of one first aider:
- 2 breaths followed by 30 compressions.
In the case of two first aiders:
- 2 breaths followed by 30 compressions.
The sequence of mouth-to-mouth respiration and compressions remains the same. The sequence changes only when the victim is below one year old, in which case, first aiders must follow:
- One First Aider: 2 breaths followed by 30 compressions.
- Two First Aiders: 2 breaths followed by 15 compressions.
These are the latest guidelines, and I hope people will make use of them.
Regards,
RP Singh (Ravi)
Healthcare Trainer
7620958102
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear Mr. Hansa,
I am writing here regarding the queries posted by both of you.
Let us understand that the most important part of First Aid is the assessment of the victim since time is crucial. Therefore, the assessment of the victim has to be done methodically and quickly. There is a very thin line between correct assessment and incorrect assessment, and if the assessment is wrong, it can be catastrophic.
During the assessment, only a first aider can learn about these three important stages of the patient/victim/casualty, which are:
1. Unconsciousness
2. Patient with respiratory arrest
3. Cardiac Arrest
Unconsciousness is the stage where breathing and pulse are present, but the patient is not responding to verbal commands, and vital functions (breaths, pulse) may be slightly suppressed. Unconsciousness can occur due to any metabolic disturbance or exposure to extreme temperatures and may be idiopathic (reason unknown).
Such patients should be supported with external oxygen at a rate of 4-6 liters using a Venti mask or nasal prongs. Do not give mouth-to-mouth respiration or chest compressions. Also, provide the recovery position, and if the patient was exposed to low temperatures, cover them with a blanket to preserve body heat. Do not give anything to eat or drink orally.
Respiratory Arrest:
During assessment, if there is no breathing but a pulse is present, give initial 2 breaths and then check for the pulse. If the pulse is present, continue mouth-to-mouth respiration at a rate of 10-12 breaths per minute. Simultaneously, evacuate the patient to the hospital, as such a patient may progress to cardiac arrest.
Cardiac Arrest:
If, upon assessment, there are no breaths (give 2 breaths) and no pulse is found, give compressions. Continue to provide compressions and evacuate the patient with CPR.
I have elaborated on CPR previously; I would like to mention again that if the patient is in a state of Unconsciousness or Cardiac Arrest, the role of CO2 is minimal and falls outside the scope of first aiders. CO2 levels are considered in operating theaters where patients are under anesthesia; there, factors like end tidal volume of CO2 are monitored.
Now, regarding the sequences of CPR ingredients:
CPR consists of mouth-to-mouth respiration and chest compressions.
It is important to note that when CPR is performed, at least two first aiders should be present, as it is a strenuous process that requires assistance.
In the case of one first aider:
- 2 breaths followed by 30 compressions.
In the case of two first aiders:
- 2 breaths followed by 30 compressions.
The sequence of mouth-to-mouth respiration and compressions remains the same. The sequence changes only when the victim is below one year old, in which case, first aiders must follow:
- One First Aider: 2 breaths followed by 30 compressions.
- Two First Aiders: 2 breaths followed by 15 compressions.
These are the latest guidelines, and I hope people will make use of them.
Regards,
RP Singh (Ravi)
Healthcare Trainer
7620958102
From India, Bangalore
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Dear Rave (RPS),
Thanks for your great write-up and quick response/effort. Regarding M/s. Hansa and Mr. Dipil's query. Basically, I am a mechanical engineer, and I don't have that much interest in science, but I now understand CPR better than science students. I have learned a lot about CPR on my own, and I must say a special thanks to Mr. Kesav and Mr. Rave (RPS).
Keep on sharing your experience with us.
Thank you.
From United States, Fpo
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Thanks for your great write-up and quick response/effort. Regarding M/s. Hansa and Mr. Dipil's query. Basically, I am a mechanical engineer, and I don't have that much interest in science, but I now understand CPR better than science students. I have learned a lot about CPR on my own, and I must say a special thanks to Mr. Kesav and Mr. Rave (RPS).
Keep on sharing your experience with us.
Thank you.
From United States, Fpo
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Dear Mr. RP Singh It is really a useful discussion and every IR persons must know about the CPR. Educative and obviously a helpful article. With warm regards S. Bhaskar 9099024667
From India, Kumbakonam
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From India, Kumbakonam
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Dear Friends,
Please find a PPT attachment for self-CPR. This is a process for a person who is suffering from severe chest pain (Angina pectoris), and this condition arises due to Myocardial Infarction (the most important heart muscle, which works round the clock). If this person is alone and unable to seek help from others, they can sustain their life by following the methods of self-CPR. It involves increasing oxygen intake by deliberately increasing the rate of respiration. The presentation is very brief but precisely explains how one can sustain life.
Thank you.
From India, Bangalore
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Please find a PPT attachment for self-CPR. This is a process for a person who is suffering from severe chest pain (Angina pectoris), and this condition arises due to Myocardial Infarction (the most important heart muscle, which works round the clock). If this person is alone and unable to seek help from others, they can sustain their life by following the methods of self-CPR. It involves increasing oxygen intake by deliberately increasing the rate of respiration. The presentation is very brief but precisely explains how one can sustain life.
Thank you.
From India, Bangalore
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