Experts Warn Against Pulse Checks During Cardiac Emergencies

Untrained bystanders should avoid wasting time searching for a pulse when finding an unconscious person, according to medical experts. Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, a senior consultant at Gleneagles Hospitals Parel, explains that trying to find a pulse can be difficult for people without medical training and wastes valuable time during a crisis.

Emergency Response

When encountering an unconscious person, the first priority is ensuring the surroundings are safe. Gently tap the person and speak loudly to check for any response. Next, check if the person is breathing normally, keeping in mind that gasping, occasional abnormal breaths, or noisy and irregular breathing do not count as normal breathing. Treat the situation as a cardiac emergency if the person does not respond and is not breathing normally. Call for emergency medical help immediately and start chest compressions without delay. If an automated external defibrillator, or AED, is available, use it right away and follow its voice instructions.

Medical Guidance

Dr Sudhir Kumar also notes that while healthcare professionals are trained to check pulses, untrained bystanders often struggle to detect one accurately and risk delaying life-saving care. Every minute matters during a cardiac arrest, making prompt action far more important than attempting a perfect assessment.

Context

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, helps keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs when a person's heart stops beating. Early chest compressions significantly improve the chances of survival during sudden cardiac emergencies by maintaining basic blood circulation before professional medical help arrives.