Jan22
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Posted by Dr. Nitin Shakya on Thursday, 22nd January 2009
Sudden cardiac arrest is rapidly becoming the leading cause of death in in world. Once the heart ceases to function, a healthy human brain may survive without oxygen for up to 4 minutes without suffering any permanent damage. Unfortunately, a typical EMS response may take 6, 8 or even 10 minutes. It is during those critical minutes that CPR can provide oxygenated blood to the victim's brain and the heart, dramatically increasing his chance of survival. And if properly instructed, almost anyone can learn and perform CPR.
CPR may not save the victim even when performed properly, but if started within 4 minutes of cardiac arrest and defibrillation is provided within 10 minutes, a person has a 60% chance of survival.