We live in a world filled with emergency medical care, where life-saving techniques play a significant role in safeguarding lives with precise and effective solutions. Every second counts in the case of an emergency, and the effectiveness of the medical support determines the affected individual's life and death. Life-saving techniques are far from basic first aid; they are advanced medical techniques such as CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), ventilation, dialysis, needle decompression, stroke assessment, and more. Below are some of the most reliable life-saving techniques that have optimised patient outcomes and empowered healthcare professionals to excel in high-pressure and critical emergencies.

Mechanical Ventilation: This technique helps patients with irregular breathing patterns regulate adequate breathing independently. Mechanical ventilation delivers oxygen-rich air to the patients. It helps remove excess carbon dioxide from the lungs, supporting overall respiratory function and preventing organ failure due to inadequate oxygen supply.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): This life-saving technique is an emergency procedure to support and regulate circulation and breathing in individuals experiencing cardiac or respiratory arrest. It involves chest compressions to pump blood through the body and rescue breaths to supply oxygen to the lungs, sustaining crucial functions until advanced medical care can be provided.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): ECMO is a technique used to provide temporary support for lung or heart function in several ill patients. This life-saving technique involves blood circulation with the help of an artificial lung (oxygenator) outside the body. It helps oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide before returning it to the patient's circulation. ECMO is used in severe respiratory or cardiac failure cases when conventional treatments are insufficient.
Automated External Defibrillator: An AED is a portable device used in emergencies to deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm in patients with sudden cardiac arrest. It helps analyse the heart rhythm and directs audio and visual instructions to guide the patients through administering a shock if necessary. AEDs are crucial in rapidly treating life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and increasing the chances of survival.
Kidney Dialysis: This is the life-saving technique most favoured for removing excess waste from the body due to damaged or impaired kidney functioning. The procedure artificially filters the blood through a dialysis machine. It completely mimics the function of a kidney by removing essential waste, toxins, and fluids from the body and maintaining electrolyte balance. Dialysis is a crucial life-saving technique helpful for patients with end-stage/chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury.
Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: This technique involves the artificial nutrition and hydration of patients who cannot eat or drink independently due to certain medical conditions, such as severe illness, swallowing difficulties due to surgery, or coma. This technique helps patients receive essential nutrition and hydration intake to maintain their nutritional status and prevent dehydration, supporting their overall recovery and well-being.

When to Start Life-Saving Techniques?

Life-saving techniques should be started immediately in cases of emergencies such as cardiac arrest, unconsciousness, choking, excessive bleeding, and early signs of stroke. It is advisable to act immediately without wasting any second to help the person in need, as a delay will impact the survival chances of the affected person. If properly trained, one must call emergency services swiftly and initiate essential medical support such as CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) or an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Quick action and the practical application of life-saving techniques can make all the difference in saving a life. These life–saving techniques can restore functionality and increase the chances of survival.

When to Stop Life-Saving Techniques?

It is crucial to know when to stop life-saving techniques during patient care. CPR should be stopped if the person starts breathing normally, shows signs of consciousness, or a healthcare provider takes over. In cases of severe trauma or terminal illness, consider stopping if the person's condition is irreversible and resuscitation efforts are futile.

Clear communication among responders is essential to avoid unnecessary medical interventions. When medical professionals arrive, follow their guidance. Stopping life-saving techniques is as important as starting them, ensuring dignified care, and respecting the patient's choices and medical prognosis.

Conclusion

Life-saving techniques help extend the patient's survival possibilities. By practising and being prepared, anyone can make a big difference and save someone's life. Knowing how to help in emergencies shows kindness and brings people together when they need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Life-Saving Technique

Q. How do you do advanced life support?
A. Advanced life support involves advanced medical interventions such as airway management, medication administration, and cardiac monitoring to stabilise critically ill or injured patients.

Q. What are the examples of advanced life support?
A. Advanced life support includes advanced airway management, intravenous medication administration, defibrillation, and specialised cardiac monitoring techniques.

Q. What are the four basic life supports?
A. The four basic life support techniques are CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), defibrillation, airway management, and haemorrhage control.

Q. What are the 3P’s of basic life support?
A. Preserve life, Prevent Deterioration, and Promote Recovery are the 3Ps of basic life support.

Q. How many times CPR is given per minute?
A. It is advisable to give 100-120 times per minute CPR to the affected patient until the ambulance arrives.