[News Terms] Survival Probability More Than Tripled... CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Reexamined Following Itaewon Disaster

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] As of 6:30 a.m. on the 30th, 227 casualties have been reported, including 149 deaths, 19 serious injuries, and 57 minor injuries, due to the crush accident that occurred in Itaewon on the night of the 29th. The cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by rescue teams, police, and citizens who arrived at the scene was crucial in preventing additional casualties.

According to the Korean Association of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, our brain can suffer permanent damage if blood supply is interrupted for just 4-5 minutes. CPR is an emergency treatment that artificially circulates blood and assists breathing when cardiac arrest occurs. By circulating blood even when the heart is stopped, CPR delays brain damage and plays a decisive role in helping the heart recover from cardiac arrest. When a bystander immediately performs CPR upon witnessing cardiac arrest, the chance of saving the patient’s life is more than three times higher compared to not performing CPR. Studies have shown that effective CPR increases the survival rate of cardiac arrest patients by about three times compared to cases without it.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is experiencing cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a civil defense evacuation drill held at the Government Seoul Office on August 24. [Image source=Yonhap News]

There are many cases where CPR has saved people from cardiac arrest. On the 14th of last month, a report came in about an elderly man collapsing in a building in Gangnam-gu. People entering and exiting the building and those passing by on the street were unaware of the man’s condition. A police officer from Suseo Police Station, who had nursing experience, immediately performed CPR. The 119 emergency medical team arrived shortly after and continued emergency treatment, and the man regained consciousness after being transported to a nearby hospital. On the 16th of the same month, a newly graduated nurse from a nursing college saved a woman in her 50s who collapsed from cardiac arrest on the street by performing CPR. Kim Jong-geun, who lives in Jeju, immediately ran to perform CPR when Hong, who was playing soccer with him in April, suddenly collapsed. Kim performed CPR for over five minutes, and Hong regained breathing after the ambulance arrived.

According to the CPR guidelines for the general public, the first step is to check the victim’s response. After ensuring the safety of the scene, approach the patient, gently tap their shoulder, and loudly ask, “Hello, are you okay?” If the patient is conscious, they will respond by answering, moving, or making sounds such as groaning. If there is no response, it should be assumed that cardiac arrest is likely. If the patient does not respond, immediately shout for someone nearby to call 119. If no one is around, call 119 yourself. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available nearby, it should be brought and used immediately. Laypersons unfamiliar with CPR can receive help by quickly calling 119. The emergency dispatcher will switch the call to speakerphone and guide the caller to confirm cardiac arrest and perform chest compressions.

Next, observe the patient’s face and chest for no more than 10 seconds to check for breathing. If the patient is not breathing or breathing abnormally, cardiac arrest is assumed. Since laypersons may find it difficult to accurately assess abnormal breathing, it is advisable to seek help from the emergency dispatcher.

To perform chest compressions, lay the patient on their back on a firm, flat surface. Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum), then place the other hand on top, interlocking the fingers. Avoid letting fingers touch the chest. Keep your arms straight and use your body weight to compress the chest vertically. Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression. Compressions should be performed strongly and quickly at a rate of 100-120 per minute and a depth of about 5 cm for adults (4-5 cm for children). Count aloud “one, two, three... thirty” regularly while performing compressions, and continue until the patient recovers or the 119 emergency team arrives. In the early stages of cardiac arrest, chest compression-only CPR is as effective as CPR combined with rescue breaths, so bystanders should promptly perform chest compressions without delay.

If the patient makes sounds or moves during chest compressions, check if breathing has returned. If breathing has resumed, turn the patient onto their side to prevent airway obstruction. Then, continue to monitor the patient’s response and breathing. If the patient loses consciousness or normal breathing again, cardiac arrest has recurred, and chest compressions and rescue breaths should be resumed immediately.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.