CPR question?

Question

why do they do that thing where they cut the side of the persons neck,and put a ball point pen in it.whats that called?

Answer 1

its called a tracheotomy and it helps the person breath the problem is you can cut the persons major artery and they will bleed to death
its best to just do CPR the best you can until the paramedics arrive

Answer 2

A tracheotomy is a procedure performed by paramedics, emergency physicians and surgeons in order to secure an airway - usually if there is blockage or trauma prventing normal breathing. Tracheostomy refers to the procedure of making a semipermanent or permanent opening. Tracheostomy can also refer to the result of the procedure, i.e. the opening itself. It is not on the side of the neck, but through the trachea, itself.
Cricothyroidotomy is a subtype of surgical procedure known as a tracheotomy; in some situations, it is considered an elective alternative to other types of tracheotomy.

Answer 3

And just to clarify- it is NOT a normal CPR procedure, and the trained pros who do it would not use a ballpoint pen barrel.

The image that your scene is based on comes from an old episode of MASH, where the priest does the surgery in an emergency under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Answer 4

cricithyroidotomy
front of throat through cricothyroid membrane.

This an emergency procedure for an obstructed airway-it is meant to be temporary until a tracheotomy which is more permanent can be performed in sterile conditions if deemed necessary