LESSON 1
CARDIAC IMPAIRMENT
Section I. GENERAL INFORMATION
1-1.
INTRODUCTION TO CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION
Blood supplies the cells of the body with oxygen. In an emergency, you must
ensure that this supply of oxygen continues. The supply of oxygen to the body cells is
threatened whenever the person stops breathing on his own, or when the person's heart
stops pumping blood. When the oxygen supply fails, cells begin to die. The length of
time required for a cell to die after the oxygen supply has stopped depends upon
several factors. One of the most important factors is the type of cell involved. Brain
cells are the most sensitive. Permanent brain damage usually occurs if the oxygen
supply is stopped for more than 4 minutes. The following sections deal with restoring
the breathing process to a person who has stopped breathing for himself and restoring
the heartbeat to a person who heart has stopped beating. The combination of
techniques that provides basic emergency life support by keeping oxygenated blood
flowing in the brain during such occurrences is called cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR).
1-2.
SUDDEN DEATH
Sudden death is defined as the unexpected cessation of respiration and
functional circulation. There are two stages of sudden death: clinical death and
biological death.
a. Clinical Deaths. Clinical death means that the heartbeat and breathing have
stopped. This condition is reversible. Sudden death is abrupt and unexpected clinical
death.
b. Biological Death. Biological death is permanent cellular damage due to lack
of oxygen. The brain cells are the most sensitive to lack of oxygen. Irreversible brain
damage occurs within 4 to 6 minutes. Biological death is a final condition.
c. Difference Between Clinical Death and Biological Death. Clinical death
occurs as soon as the heart stops beating and the person stops breathing. Clinical
death results in unconsciousness. This condition can be reversed by cardiopulmonary
clinical death. Biological death involves irreversible brain damage.
MD0571
1-2