ISS astronaut shows how CPR is performed in space

When it comes to performing first aid and other important medical treatments, astronauts aboard the International Space Station have to be well trained.

With microgravity making conditions on the station a little different to those down on terra firma, some of the response methods need to be adapted.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a life-saving procedure that is administered when someone's heart stops beating. Most people know that it involves a series of chest compressions to keep the person's blood circulating so that it doesn't go bad.

The current inhabitant of the International Space Station shared a video with her million followers on the social networking site.

Practising CPR in Space ⛑ #MissionMinerva #CPR #LifeInSpace@esa @esaspaceflight @Space_Station pic.twitter.com/qfEcqpCMU6

— Samantha Cristoforetti (@AstroSamantha) September 2, 2022

We apply pressure to the upper body using our body weight. The lack of gravity makes it hard to save someone in space, as the compression procedure will cause the astronauts to push themselves away from the person they are trying to save.

One of the ways to get around this is shown by Cristoforetti, who was at the outpost for six months.

The Italian Astronaut moved to an upside down position and put her feet on the surface of the station to give her the ability to push down. The method of working has to be done with a certain height.

There is a strap on the side of the bed. A person performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation puts a belt around their body to keep it in place.

There are more than one way to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in microgravity. The Evetts-Russomano method involves the responders positioning their legs in a way that allows their ankles to interlock in the center of the patient's back so they generate force on their chest for the compressions.

The reverse bearhug technique uses the responder to wrap their arms around the patient. The waist straddle involves the responder sitting astride the patient.

An automated external defibrillator can be used to return a person's heart rhythm to its normal state if there is a cardiac arrest.

The International Space Station has not had to be treated with cardiopulmonary and cardiopulmonary defibrilators. There is an increased chance of a medical emergency occurring far from Earth with long-duration missions to the moon and Mars on the cards.

Emergency medical training is a major part of an astronauts training.

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