The Stress on Laypersons Performing CPR and Defibrillation: A Crucial Lifesaving Effort

Written by Steve Jelfs

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation are essential techniques that can save lives during sudden cardiac arrest. While these interventions are typically associated with healthcare professionals, laypersons also play a vital role in administering CPR and using automated external defibrillators (AEDs) when immediate medical assistance is not readily available. However, the act of performing CPR and using a defibrillator can be highly stressful for individuals, impacting their effectiveness and overall outcomes. This article explores the stress experienced by laypersons when carrying out CPR and defibrillation, highlighting the importance of training, emotional support, and public awareness.

The Significance of Laypersons in Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), SCA can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. It often occurs outside of a hospital setting, the majority in the home, emphasising the crucial role of bystanders and laypersons in providing immediate assistance until professional help arrives. Initiating the Chain of Survival is critical to Increasing survival.

The Stressful Nature of CPR

CPR involves a series of chest compressions and, for trained and healthcare rescuers, rescue breaths aimed at maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation when a person’s heart has stopped beating normally. It is a physically demanding and emotionally challenging task, especially for individuals without medical training. The stressors faced by laypersons during CPR can be categorised into several key aspects:

1. Fear of Making Mistakes: Untrained individuals often fear causing harm or making mistakes during CPR. They may worry about breaking ribs or causing other injuries to the victim, leading to hesitation or reluctance to initiate CPR.
2. Emotional Distress: Witnessing a person in cardiac arrest can be emotionally distressing. Laypersons may experience anxiety, fear, and a sense of helplessness, which can further hinder their ability to perform effective CPR.
3. Lack of Confidence: Laypersons typically lack confidence in their ability to perform CPR correctly. This lack of confidence can manifest as hesitation or a delay in initiating CPR, reducing the chances of a positive outcome.
4. Time Pressure: Time is a critical factor in sudden cardiac arrest Laypersons may feel overwhelmed by the need to act quickly, adding to their stress levels and potentially leading to errors.
5. Fear of Legal Consequences: Laypersons may worry about the legal consequences of their actions, especially if they are unsure about the appropriate course of action or the victim’s condition.

The Role of Training in Reducing Stress

One of the most effective ways to alleviate the stress faced by laypersons during CPR and defibrillation is comprehensive training. Training programs, teach laypersons how to recognise a cardiac emergency, perform high-quality CPR, and use AEDs. These programs provide the following benefits:

1. Knowledge and Skills: Training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently perform CPR and operate AEDs. This education helps reduce the fear of making mistakes and boosts overall confidence.
2. Simulation and Practice: Training should include hands-on practice using manikins and AED trainers. This practical experience helps individuals become familiar with the techniques and reduces stress associated with uncertainty.
3. Psychological Preparation: Training also addresses the emotional aspect of responding to sudden cardiac arrest. Participants are taught strategies for managing stress and emotions while providing care.
4. Legal Protection: Many countries have Good Samaritan laws that protect individuals who provide assistance during emergencies in good faith. Training programs often educate participants about these legal protections, reducing concerns about legal consequences. It should be noted, however, that the real-life stresses that laypersons face in a SCA situation cannot be fully replicated.

The Importance of Emotional Support

In addition to training, emotional support plays a crucial role in reducing the stress experienced by laypersons during CPR and defibrillation. Bystanders and family members who witness a cardiac emergency may benefit from the following forms of emotional support:

1. Encouragement: Positive reinforcement and encouragement from others can boost a layperson’s confidence and motivation to perform CPR and use an AED.
2. Communication: Clear communication with emergency services operators can provide guidance and reassurance to laypersons on the scene. Dispatchers can offer step-by-step instructions for performing CPR and using an AED.
3. Post-Event Support: After the event, individuals who performed CPR or used an AED may benefit from debriefing and emotional support. This can help them process the experience and any emotions that arise. This is an especially important facility and is by no means as universal as it should be.

The Role of Public Awareness

Public awareness campaigns play a critical role in educating the general population about the importance of CPR and AED use. By increasing awareness, individuals are more likely to recognise the signs of sudden cardiac arrest, act, and seek training. Public awareness initiatives may include:

1. CPR/AED Certification Drives: Encouraging community members to become certified in CPR and AED use can have a significant impact on increasing the number of trained individuals who can respond to cardiac emergencies.
2. Public Demonstrations: Public CPR and AED demonstration events can help demystify these lifesaving techniques and encourage people to seek training.
3. Informational Campaigns: Educational campaigns through various media channels can inform the public about the importance of early CPR and AED use, as well as where to find training opportunities.

Conclusion

The stress experienced by laypersons when performing CPR and using AEDs during a sudden cardiac arrest is a significant challenge that can impact the effectiveness of these life-saving interventions. However, with proper training, emotional support, and increased public awareness, individuals can become more confident and capable of responding effectively in critical situations. By addressing the stress associated with layperson interventions, we can improve survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest, saving more lives in our communities.

References:

American Heart Association. (2021). CPR & First Aid. https://www.heart.org/en/cpr

American Red Cross. (2021). CPR Training. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr

Edelson, D. P., Abella, B. S., & Becker, L. B. (2008). The Critical Importance of Bystander CPR. In Seminars in Perinatology (Vol. 32, No. 3, pp. 197-201). WB Saunders. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.semperi.2008.02.006

Koster, R. W., Baubin, M. A., Bossaert, L. L., Caballero, A., Cassan, P., Castrén, M., … & European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2010 Section (2010). European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2010 Section 2. Adult basic life support and use of automated external defibrillators. Resuscitation, 81(10), 1277-1292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2010.08.009

Gavin D Perkins, Mick Colquhoun, Charles D Deakin, Christopher Smith, Michael Smyth, Nigel Barraclough, Liz Yeates, Barry Klaassen, Lynn Thomas, Andrew Lockey, Jasmeet Soar, Jonathan Wyllie, Sue Hampshire, Mike Bower

 Adult Basic Life Support Guidelines Published May 2021

Defibrillators we stock are in our shop, also you can email or call us sales@defib4life.co.uk – 01629710128 and find us on social media, on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.