elvytys

Elvytys, in Finnish, refers to the process of restoring circulation and breathing in a person who has stopped. It encompasses resuscitation efforts used both outside and inside health care settings, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, airway management, and, in advanced care, medications and advanced life support procedures.

The practice is commonly categorized as basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). For laypeople, BLS emphasizes high-quality chest compressions and the early use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Rescue breaths may be included if the rescuer is trained or as directed by guidelines. ALS involves trained responders performing more complex interventions, such as advanced airway management, medication administration, and coordinated team-based care.

Key steps in elvytys include recognizing collapse, calling emergency services, and beginning CPR promptly. For adults, CPR aims for a rate of about 100–120 compressions per minute with a depth of roughly 5–6 cm, allowing full chest recoil and minimizing interruptions. An AED should be used as soon as it is available; follow the device prompts and deliver a shock if advised, then resume CPR immediately after defibrillation.

Differences exist for children and infants, where compression depth, rate, and the two-rescuer technique vary. Training and guidelines are issued and updated by organizations such as the European Resuscitation Council and the American Heart Association, emphasizing early defibrillation, high-quality CPR, and coordinated post-resuscitation care. Outcomes depend on the underlying cause, time to intervention, and overall health.