Indirect cardiac massage - technique

In case of emergency danger for the patient, with cardiac arrest, he must provide first aid, which will help support his life activity before the arrival of medical workers.

The first and basic method of saving a patient with a stopped heart is heart massage.

Types of Heart Massage

1. Straight.
2. Indirect.

Direct massage of the heart is an internal massage, it is also called an open massage. Here the effect occurs directly on the organ.

With indirect heart massage, the effect is on the organ through the chest - it squeezes, and causes blood from its cavities to penetrate into the vessels. When the pressure stops, the muscles of the heart straighten out, and venous blood enters the body cavity. Thus, the activity of the heart is artificially carried out under the influence of an outside force, if it itself refuses to work.

Owning the method of first aid - an indirect massage of the heart should every person. It is not difficult to make it, however, the exact location of the hands, the rhythm and position of the person who assists is of great importance.

How to do an indirect heart massage?

1. Performing an indirect heart massage begins with the definition of the area on the palms side, which will carry out pressure. This is the base of the palm, because it can be bent and made strong pressure.
2. The success of the action with indirect heart massage depends on the proper arrangement of the hands and body: the point of application of force should be above the xiphoid process, in the lower half of the sternum. In the elbows, the hands should be straight. Also it is worth paying attention to the fact that the rescuer must be much higher than the injured person - on a chair, or standing in front of him on his knees, if he is lying on the floor. The injured person should occupy a horizontal position on a solid surface. This is necessary in order to hang over the patient, the rescuer could put pressure on the sternum so that the heart is reduced.
3. The method of indirect heart massage is not only in the correct location, but also with the right pressure. The squeezing force should be such that the sternum is compressed by 5-6 cm to the spine. The rate of indirect heart massage should be as close as possible to the natural rhythm of the heart - at least 60 reductions per minute.
4. In addition to heart massage, the patient also needs to do artificial respiration . After 15 pressure, 2 artificial blows through the mouth or nose must be made. For 1 minute it is possible to make 4 similar cycles.

Efficacy of indirect heart massage

In order to determine whether massage is effective, there are three main features:

1. There is a pulsation of the carotid arteries in time to the pressure.
2. The pupils contract.
3. The respiration resumes.