20th July marked the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. We reflect on the difficulties that astronauts are presented with when attempting to provide first aid, CPR and defibrillation in space.
CPR in Space
To perform CPR in space, astronauts are faced with additional challenges to those on earth. Unless objects and people are strapped down, they start floating away.
Therefore the patient needs to be strapped to the floor. The person providing CPR needs to be fastened to the patient to allow constant and rhythmic compressions.
Alternatively, they can jump up with their feet on the ceiling to be able to propel themselves and push down on the patient’s chest. NASA states: ‘CPR in microgravity is most reliably performed in the handstand position and meets AHA guidelines for closed-chest compression depth’.
Blog photo: @Astro_Andreas
Emergency on the ISS
A major medical emergency has never occurred on the International Space Station. The ISS is equipped with a life-saving defibrillator which could be the difference between life and death if a sudden cardiac arrest were to occur.
The LIFEPAK 1000 was deployed on the International Space Station (ISS) in July 2008 as the first automated external defibrillator (AED) in space. With the exception of a newly customised battery pack and NASA-created cover, designed for space use, the Lifepak 1000 was deployed on the ISS in the same device configuration used by first responders here on earth.
The medical kit on the ISS includes a first aid kit, a book of medical conditions, a portable ultrasound, a device for looking deep into the eye and two litres of saline. The medical equipment and expertise onboard is less than the average London ambulance is equipped with according to space physician Kevin Fong.
A Sudden Cardiac Arrest patient will require further treatment back on home turf. Once stabilised, the 6 and a half hour journey to re-enter Earth should commence.
Be Prepared
Astronauts must know CPR, first aid and how to use a defibrillator on top of everything else they have to learn. Treating a victim of SCA is a tough, time-sensitive task that is made even more challenging in space. Knowing these skills gives astronauts the best chance of survival in an emergency.
As NASA is developing the capabilities needed to send humans to an asteroid by 2025 and Mars in the 2030s, an improved level of preparedness for emergency situations in space is being researched.
defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.
Photo by History in HD on Unsplash.
