Cardio-Pulmonary System
What are the 2 body systems that allow cpr to work?
Respiratory (Pulmonary) System
The respiratory system helps in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the body. The cells in our bodies need the energy to keep functioning and so they perform a reaction known as aerobic respiration. The body uses food and oxygen and releases energy with the by-products being water and carbon dioxide. Our body removes the CO2 through the respiratory system. The respiratory system includes the nose, mouth, throat, oesophagus (windpipe), and lungs. The lungs and respiratory system allow oxygen in the air to be taken into the body, while also letting the body get rid of carbon dioxide while breathing out.
Circulatory (Cardio-Pulmonary) System
The circulatory system is made up of blood vessels that carry blood away (arteries) from and towards (veins) the heart. The circulatory system carries oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells, and removes waste products, like carbon dioxide. These roadways travel in one direction only, to keep things going where they should. The brain is extremely sensitive to the lack of oxygen and brain cell damage as well as death can happen within minutes.
How does CPR work?
CPR uses chest compressions to keep the heart pumping.
These compressions help keep blood flowing throughout the body and oxygen supplied to the cells. This increases the chance of survival of the person in Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
Heart Attack VS Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Heart Attack
Sudden cardiac arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is stopped, meaning that oxygenated blood (clean blood) is not able to reach the heart. This causes the heart cells to die - since there is no oxygen for them to use. You DO NOT use CPR in this case.
Sudden cardiac arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest
A Sudden Cardiac Arrest happens when the electrical system of the heart malfunctions and basically stops working. The heart stops beating and the patients may stop breathing. In this case, you start performing CPR.