The importance of DEA and CPR to save lives

In Argentina 40,000 sudden deaths are produced per year, according to data from the Argentine Society of Cardiology (SAC) and the Argentine Cardiology Foundation (FAC). Different health agencies drive the week of the fight against sudden death, which is commemorated between August 21 and 28 with the aim of raising awareness among the population about the importance of knowing the adequate initial maneuvers to treat these cases. Mainly, through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or using an automatic external defibrillator (DEA).

Sudden death is the unexpected loss of heart, respiratory and cerebral function, which suddenly occurs in a seemingly healthy person. Since the picture begins, until it is triggered, it takes about an hour and if it is not treated quickly it can lead to the death of the patient. Specialists indicate that for every minute a 10% probability of surviving are lost.

“70 % of sudden deaths occur outside the hospital. Unfortunately, it is more common than people believe and should be all prepared to assist a patient, both with RCP maneuvers and with the use of a fundamental tool such as DEA,” says Marcelo Filiberti, secretary of the National RCP network and sudden death prevention of FAC.

The RCP is a vital emergency procedure that is done when a person has stopped breathing or his heart has stopped beating. It is a combination of thoracic compressions and mouth -to -mouth breathing to maintain the circulation of oxygenated blood until breathing and heartbeat can be restored. For its part, the DEA is a medical device that analyzes the heart rate and, if necessary, manages an electric shock to try to restore a normal beat. DEAs are easy to use and are designed so that anyone, without any medical training, can apply it in emergency situations.

For specialists, implementing both measures can be vital since the combination of immediate CPR and early defibrillation can raise recovery rates up to 70%. In the case of DEA, both health and state entities promote to have at least one unit of this device in busy places.

“According to SAC and FAC, in Argentina there is a case of sudden death every 1000 inhabitants, so having a DEA in spaces where a large number of people are usually accumulated, such as offices, clubs, educational, sports and cultural establishments, can be decisive. At the same time, its effectiveness depends on acting in a 10 -minute critical window, so the devices must be in an accessible place,” says Javier Fernández Cronnández Cronná. De Jotatec, an Argentine company that develops and markets medical equipment, among which is a DEA for emergency situations.

Within the national legal framework, Decree 402/2022 of the Ministry of Health of the Nation forces that in places of mass concurrence there is at least one accessible DEA and Personal trained in CPR. National Law 27,159 on Promotion and Training in RCP and DEA promotes similar policies. Despite this, specialists notice a lack of inspection in some places and regulatory confusion between provinces and municipalities.

“In recent years, consultations by different agencies have increased considerably to train their staff with CPR courses and acquire a DEA. There is still a path to go to raise awareness and educate on this subject. But we believe that in 10 years having a DEA in private houses will be as common as having other emergency devices, such as alarms and matafuegos,” says Fernández Cronebold.

What to do before a case of sudden death?

Both international organizations (American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council) and national coincide in a sequence of actions that can be key to helping patients to cope with these critical situations and increase their survival possibilities.

1) Check pulse or breathing of the patient. In case of being abnormal, activate the emergency system (107 or 911).

2) Start with CPR maneuvers over the risk patient. If there are more people, delegate tasks: while one performs reactivation maneuvers, another person looks for the DEA.

3) Once the DEA is achieved, it will apply rapid defibrillation on the patient. The device will analyze the patient and give the necessary instructions in case of needing it.

4) Repeat the two previous steps until the emergency team arrives or that the person recovers signs of vitality.

5) Post incident care about the patient.

6) Patient recovery: Includes additional treatment, observation, rehabilitation and psychological support.

“The most important thing is to make everything possible efforts and follow the indicated steps to stabilize the patient and that can be referred to the hospital with the least possible risk. In health, preventing is better than healing. Raising awareness about the importance of CPR and DEA can help save lives,” he concludes.