Final answer:
Chest compressions are part of CPR, performed on a patient whose heart has stopped, to manually pump blood and maintain circulation, with a recommended rate of 100 compressions per minute. Proper training and certification are crucial to avoid injury during CPR. AEDs are also a critical aid in such emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chest compressions are indicated when a person's heart stops beating, a situation requiring immediate action to maintain blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which includes chest compressions, is advised to preserve the brain's function by manually pumping blood through the heart into the systemic and pulmonary circuits. To perform effective chest compressions, one should apply pressure to the sternum between the T4 and T9 vertebrae, compressing the chest at least 5 cm deep and at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, akin to the beat of the song "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees. CPR is critical until the patient regains spontaneous heart contractions or is declared deceased by medical personnel.
Proper training is essential due to the potential for injury from CPR, such as broken ribs or damage to the liver if the xiphoid process is depressed. It is strongly recommended that both medical personnel and the public receive certification and routine recertification in CPR. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are often available in public areas to assist during cardiac emergencies, providing verbal instructions to users.