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Lesson no. 3

The Triangle of Life

The “Triangle of Life” is a schematic diagram (as depicted in the picture) that presents the three main systems of the human body:

The Triangle of Life
  • Nervous System (neurological)
  • Respiratory System (respiratory)
  • Circulatory System (cardiovascular)

“Triangle of Life” systems

  • The nervous system is at the top of the triangle because it activates, controls and regulates the entire body’s systems. Cells from the nervous system are unique in that dead cells cannot be revived, so any damage to the brain is irreversible.
  • At the base of the triangle to the right is the respiratory system, whose primary purpose is to exchange oxygen (which enters our bodies through inhalation) into carbon dioxide (which exits our bodies through exhalation). The exchange of gases in the alveoli is completely passive and doesn’t require any energy, therefore rapid and high-quality oxidation administered to an unconscious person may prevent ischemic damage to all of the body’s systems.
  • At the base of the triangle to the left is the circulatory system, whose main purpose is to provide oxygen-rich blood to all the cells in our body, and clear out the carbon dioxide. During CPR, we simulate cardiac activity by performing chest compressions in order to provide oxygenated blood flow to the brain to prevent irreversible brain damage/brain death.

 

The collapse of any of these systems will lead to the collapse of all three, and cause death.

  • Clinical death – occurs during cardiac arrest, when the heart stops functioning regularly and independently. In clinical death, oxygen supplied to the brain stops, which after about 4-6 minutes leads to brain death. After the emergence of a protocol to treat cardiac arrest, this type of death is considered treatable and reversible.
  • Brain death – irreversible cessation of brain activity, including the brain activity necessary to sustain life such as breathing. Brain death is the result of nerve cell necrosis (death) and means irreversible damage to the brain. Administration of resuscitation (CPR) delays brain death by “replacing” the functions of the heart and respiratory system. It does this by providing oxygen to the brain of the patient and slowing down brain tissue necrosis.

 

Performing high-quality resuscitation will prevent irreversible damage to the brain which usually occurs prior to the arrival of an ambulance and an advanced-life-support resuscitation team.

The Triangle of Life - The Human Body
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