Quick Guide: Mechanism of Blood Flow by Chest Compressions

Chest compressions are a cornerstone of effective CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), playing a critical role in preserving life during cardiac arrest emergencies. This guide explains how chest compressions work and their impact on the body’s blood flow mechanism.

Most CPR first aid online classes today put chest compressions before mouth to mouth resuscitation. This is because of the importance of chest compressions in the entire CPR process. Let’s find out in detail how chest compressions save a life.

Why Chest Compressions Are Vital

Chest compressions mimic the heart’s natural pumping action, helping maintain blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain and heart, when the heart has stopped beating effectively. Without adequate blood circulation, irreversible organ damage and death can occur within minutes.

Types of Blood Vessels in the Body

In order to fully comprehend the mechanism of blood flow through chest compressions, it is important to know how various types of blood vessels in the bodywork. There are three basic types of blood vessels in our body — capillaries, veins, and arteries.

• Capillaries are the smallest of the three. They are so narrow that they allow only one red blood cell at a time to pass through them. Every square inch of our body has an innumerable number of these tiny vessels.
• Arteries are the vessels specialized in carrying blood from the heart to the tissues. For this purpose, their walls are thick and yet flexible, allowing them to contract and expand according to blood flow. With age, they may get a little narrow as plaque keeps accumulating in them if they become too narrow, the person is on a higher risk of cardiac arrest.
• Veins are responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the tissues and carrying it to the heart. They are thinner than arteries and cannot expand or contract. One of their important features is that unlike arteries, veins have valves. Valves are important because blood is flowing in the veins with very little pressure and hence, can go back. But valves restrict the backward movement of blood and allow it to move in one direction only. During a chest compression, veins are playing the most crucial role. Let’s find out how.

The Flow of Blood through Chest Compressions

When the chest is pressed two inches deep during chest compression in CPR, it squeezes the blood out of the person’s tissues. This blood can enter both the arteries and veins. However, when it enters the veins it cannot go back due to the valves. With repeated compressions, enough pressure develops to carry the bloodstream to the heart which again has valves. Thus, blood from the heart can come back to the heart only after it has supplied oxygen to all the body and comes back through the vein following the same previous route.

Proper Technique for Effective Compressions

1. Hand Placement: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, with the other hand on top, interlocking fingers.
2. Compression Depth: Press down at least 2 inches for adults, about 1.5 inches for infants, ensuring effective circulation.
3. Compression Rate: Aim for 100-120 compressions per minute.
4. Allow Full Recoil: Let the chest return to its original position between compressions for optimal blood refill.

The Mechanics of Blood Flow During CPR

• Brain Oxygenation: Chest compressions help push oxygen-rich blood to the brain, preventing hypoxic brain injury.
• Cardiac Perfusion: They supply oxygen to the heart muscle, improving the chances of a successful defibrillation.
• Body Perfusion: Compressions circulate blood to other vital organs, reducing the risk of organ failure.

How Does Chest Recoil Work?

Between every two compressions, the chest is allowed to recoil i.e. raise again to its original position. This recoiling is important because if only the squeezing part is done, the heart will not be able to suck up the blood. As the squeezed tissues are released they soak up some blood and the same goes for the heart’s tissues. They soak some blood and that’s how they keep functioning.

If chest compressions are properly performed, they are without any doubt the most important component of the CPR procedure. Even in many cases they alone can save a person’s life because the reserve oxygen in the blood can be supplied easily to the brain through compressions to avoid brain death.

Conclusion

Chest compressions are a life-saving intervention, sustaining blood flow during cardiac arrest until advanced medical help arrives. Mastering proper technique and understanding the blood flow mechanism behind compressions are crucial for effective CPR which can be easily achived by online cpr courses. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or a bystander, knowing how to perform high-quality chest compressions can make the difference between life and death.

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