Doctor shares 10 immediate steps that may help save a life: From choking to severe bleeding Picture this: you’re at a cafe, waiting for your iced coffee, when the person in front of you collapses . Your heart drops, panic surges, and your mind goes blank. What do you do? If you think you need a medical degree to step in, think again. Also read | Medical emergency at home?
When cardiac arrest happens — whether at home, work, a park, or a crowded mall — every single second counts. Check: “Confirm they are unresponsive and not breathing (or only gasping). Call: “Call an ambulance immediately (or tell someone nearby to call and grab an automated external defibrillator or AED). Keep going until help arrives or the AED is ready! Equally important is knowing what not to do during those critical first moments – Misguided instinct can often make matters worse. “Do not try to sit them up or lift them. Keep them flat on their back. “Do not give them water, food, or medication by mouth. Why are chest compressions so vital? Also read | Cardiac arrest: How bystander CPR can improve survival If you ever find yourself facing a medical emergency, don’t let fear paralyse you. You don’t need perfection — you just need to start pushing. You might remember learning ‘mouth-to-mouth’ from movies, but guidelines have evolved to make bystander intervention as simple as possible. As per the American Heart Association (CPR.heart.org ), there are two main types: Hands-only CPR (for bystanders): Recommended for anyone who witnesses a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an out-of-hospital setting. It skips mouth-to-mouth entirely, focusing solely on uninterrupted chest compressions. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Here is the exact plan Dr Kumar outlined for when an emergency strikes: 1. 2. 3. Compress: “Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest at 100–120 bpm. Dr Kumar highlighted two common mistakes bystanders make: 1. 2. Conventional CPR (for healthcare providers and trained rescuers): Involves alternating 30 chest compressions with two rescue breaths. For adult victims, compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute and to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm), avoiding excessive depth beyond 2.4 inches (6 cm).
“Hands-only CPR keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and heart until emergency responders arrive,” Dr Kumar explained, adding, “Don’t hesitate; action saves lives!
