Herzdruck

Herzdruck refers to the German term for "heart compression," commonly used in the context of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It is a fundamental technique in emergency life-saving procedures, particularly when a person’s heart has stopped beating effectively, leading to cardiac arrest. The term emphasizes the manual compression of the chest to restore blood circulation and oxygen flow to vital organs, especially the brain and heart.

In Germany and other German-speaking countries, "Herzdruckmassage" (heart massage) is the standard term for CPR involving chest compressions. The technique involves placing the heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum (breastbone) and pressing down firmly and rapidly, allowing the chest to return to its natural position between compressions. This action helps maintain blood flow until defibrillation or other medical interventions can be performed.

Herzdruck is a critical component of basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols. Proper training in CPR, including Herzdruck, is essential for laypersons and healthcare professionals to improve survival rates in cardiac arrest situations. Guidelines from organizations such as the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend a compression rate of at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with minimal interruptions to maximize effectiveness.

While Herzdruck alone cannot restart a non-beating heart, it sustains oxygenated blood flow to the brain and other organs, buying time until advanced medical care arrives. Combining Herzdruck with rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth ventilation) can further improve survival outcomes, though some modern CPR protocols prioritize uninterrupted chest compressions for untrained responders. Proper training ensures that the technique is performed safely and effectively.