Interactive CPR Simulation

This simulation demonstrates the critical importance of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during a sudden cardiac arrest. As shown in the video, when the heart stops, blood flow to the brain ceases, leading to irreversible brain damage within minutes. Effective CPR manually pumps blood, delivering vital oxygen to the brain and heart muscle itself.

How to Use

• Perform Compressions: Press and hold the mouse button, spacebar, or touch the screen on the chest area to perform a compression. Release to allow the chest to recoil.
• Objective: Your goal is to maintain the "Brain O₂" level as high as possible. This requires a consistent rhythm and proper technique.
• Feedback Panel:
  • Status: Shows the current state of the patient.
  • Brain O₂: Represents the oxygenated blood reaching the brain. This is your primary indicator of CPR effectiveness. It will drop rapidly without good compressions.
  • Rate: Measures your compressions per minute (CPM). Aim for the target range of 100-120 CPM.
  • Depth: Indicates if your compression was deep enough. "Good" depth is required for effective blood flow.
• Controls:
  • Play Demo: Watch an automated sequence that shows normal function, cardiac arrest, and the effects of both good and poor CPR techniques.
  • Reset: Restarts the simulation to a normal, healthy state.
  • Sound: Toggles the sound effects on and off (default is off).

Key Learning Points from the Simulation

This tool helps visualize abstract concepts from first aid training:

1. The Need for Speed and Depth: Notice how shallow or slow compressions fail to get blood (the red particles) all the way to the brain. You must push hard and push fast.
2. The Importance of Recoil: If you start another compression before the chest has fully recoiled (releasing too quickly), the heart doesn't have time to refill with blood. The simulation shows this results in a much smaller amount of blood being pumped.
3. No Pauses: Observe how quickly brain oxygen drops the moment you stop compressions. Minimizing interruptions is crucial for survival.
4. CPR as a Bridge: CPR doesn't restart the heart; it keeps the brain alive until advanced help, like an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), can arrive to deliver a shock.

Future Directions

This simulation is a foundational tool. Future versions could include:

• Integration of an AED simulation, showing how defibrillation can restore a normal heart rhythm.
• A mode that includes rescue breaths and their effect on blood oxygenation.
• Scenarios for different age groups (child/infant CPR) with adjusted parameters.
• Guided feedback to help users improve their technique in real-time.