What is CPR: Detect and Act

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a set of emergency maneuvers used to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to the brain in cases of cardiac arrest. This technique consists of chest compressions and, in some cases, mouth-to-mouth ventilation .

If someone collapses during a workout and isn't breathing, starting CPR immediately can triple their chances of survival .

Step by Step: How to Perform CPR in a Training Incident

If you experience an emergency during training, follow these steps:

1. Assess the safety of the location 🛑

Before acting, ensure the environment is safe for both you and the victim. Ensure there is no training equipment or objects that could cause further harm.

2. Check the victim's response 🗣️

• Try calling the victim out loud.
• Touch the shoulders and see if there is any reaction.
• If the victim is unresponsive and appears unconscious, call for help immediately .

3. Call emergency services (112) 📞

If you're with someone, have someone call 911 while you begin CPR. If you're alone, call first and activate hands-free mode on your phone so you can hear instructions while you begin compressions.

4. Check breathing and pulse 🫁

• Observe if the victim's chest moves.
• Check for signs of normal breathing (not to be confused with gasping, which are involuntary movements).
• If the person is not breathing or is breathing abnormally, start CPR immediately .

5. Start chest compressions ❤️

• Place your hands in the center of your chest , between your nipples.
• Use both hands (one on top of the other) and keep your arms straight.
• Perform strong, rapid compressions, pressing on the chest about 5 to 6 cm deep .
• Compression rate: 100 to 120 compressions per minute (use the Bee Gees song "Stayin' Alive" to get the rhythm right).

💡 Tip : In cases of intense training or dehydration, the victim may simply faint or experience exhaustion. If there is a pulse and breathing, keep the victim lying down and monitor.

6. If you know how, give mouth-to-mouth ventilation (optional) 😮‍💨

• Tilt the victim's head back slightly to clear the airway.
• Cover the victim's nose and give 2 breaths of air , checking if the chest expands.
• After the 2 breaths, continue with 30 chest compressions .

If you are not comfortable with mouth-to-mouth ventilation, just do chest compressions , which are already effective.

7. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if available ⚡

• Many gyms and sports centers have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) .
• Turn on the AED and follow the device's instructions. It will indicate whether an electrical shock to the heart is necessary.

8. Continue until medical help arrives 🚑

Do not stop compressions until:
✅ The victim regains consciousness and begins breathing normally.
✅ The emergency team takes control.
✅ Being too exhausted to continue.

Special Situations in Emergencies During Training

🔹 Collapse after intense exercise: May be due to exhaustion or dehydration. Check vital signs before starting CPR.
🔹 Sudden cardiac arrest: More common in people with pre-existing heart problems. Immediate CPR increases the chances of survival.
🔹 Drowning in a pool or sea: CPR should include mouth-to-mouth ventilation , as lack of oxygen is the main cause of cardiac arrest in these cases.

Conclusion

Knowing how to perform CPR can save lives, especially in sports environments , where intense physical exertion can increase the risk of cardiac emergencies.

If you don't already have training in Basic Life Support (BLS) , consider taking a course – it can make all the difference in a critical situation!

Have you ever experienced an emergency during a workout? Share your experience in the comments! 🚑💙