Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is a combination of chest compressions and breaths, and provides critical blood flow and oxygen to the heart and brain. If CPR is started within three to five (3-5) minutes of collapse, it increases a victim’s chance of survival and reduces the chance of permanent damage.
rule number one
PPE includes
Gloves, Goggles (eye protection) Gown, Lab Coat or Apron, Shoe Covers, Face Shields / Masks, and Cap
When preparing to perform CPR, keep in mind ECC’s Chain of Survival. These are the five crucial steps that should be performed in an emergency:
Early recognition and activation of EMS Early CPR with an emphasis on compressions Rapid defibrillation Early advanced care Organized post care
ECC and AHA 2010 updates changed the CPR sequence from A-B-C to C-A-B.
C” for Compressions
Rate of compressions: You should give at least 100 to 120 compressions
per minute in cycles (or sets) of 30 compressions and 2 breaths (30:2).
Depth of compressions: detailed in following chapters for adult, child and infant.
Chest recoil is vital after each compression.
2. “A” for Airway
Open the airway with the head-tilt chin-lift motion.
3. “B” for Breathing
2 rescue breaths
he primary interim changes to CPR during COVID-19 times
PPE should be put on before conducting CPR.
For Adults:
·> Perform at least hands-only CPR after a cardiac arrest event has been identified
·> A face mask or a cloth that covers the mouth and nose of the rescuer and/or victim may reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to a non-household bystander
For Children:
·> Perform chest compressions and consider mouth-to-mouth ventilation
·> A face mask or cloth that covers the mouth and nose of the rescuer and/or victim may reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission to a non-household bystander.
2015 Chest Compression Update
Per the 2015 updates, you should deliver at least 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute (previous rate was 100 compressions / minute). Recent science indicates that more compressions lead to a higher survival rate. This new update sets an upper limit for the chest compression rate, as excessive compressions and depth can adversely affect a patient’s outcome
2014 Hands-Only CPR
he Hands-Only CPR method is recommended for use on teens or adults that you witness suddenly collapse. This is CPR without the rescue breaths.
You would need to:
*The Good Samaritan Law is intended to reduce bystanders’ hesitation to assist in an emergency.
Before beginning CPR, follow these initial steps:
Chest Compression Steps for an Adult:
*Note: For CPR emergencies, an adult is anyone who is going through or gone through puberty.
Rescuer Technique – When a second rescuer is available to help:
Let the second rescuer activate the Emergency Response System (call 9-1-1) and get the AED.
2.
The first rescuer should stay with the victim and be prepared to remove clothes from the chest and start CPR.
3.
When both rescuers are present with the victim, they should take turns doing chest compressions; switching approximately every 2 minutes. The rescuers should remind each other to push down at least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches deep, and watch for proper chest recoil.
items you’ll need in a first aid kit
Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).
remembering the goal
Recognize when help is needed and how to get it. Learn how and when to access the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system, ie., 911, activate the emergency response plan, and to contact the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222).
The faster you retrieve advanced care for the patient the higher the survival rates. If you’re alone and in harm’s way, then provide basic care before leaving (if possible) and activate EMS.
Open Chest Wounds
Open Chest Wounds may be left open. Dress the wound (with a sterile pad, wrap, etc.) and apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. Extreme care is required so the dressing doesn’t become saturated with blood, which can inadvertently become occlusive. Dress appropriately and modify the procedure when it is needed.
On victim’s with Open Chest Wounds a higher value is placed on the avoidance of providing dressings
The life-threatening risk is to cause tension pneumothorax inadvertently when compared with other risks associated with an Open Chest Wound.
Dressing Open Chest Wounds:
First, activate the Emergency Response System. Check to see if there’s more than one open wound (for more than one wound determine if dressing will be applied). Remember, the dressing should only be applied if there is rapid blood loss. Remove clothing (leave stuck clothing). Cut dressing but make sure it’s larger than the wound. Seal the wound to prevent the loss of blood (apply pressure if needed). Never remove objects from the wound.
Punctured Wounds
can be severe. It’s very dangerous if the wound gets infected. If the wound has excessive bleeding, make sure to call 911. Remember, if the patient falls unconscious or is non-responsive without a pulse make sure to call 911 and perform CPR.
Treatment:
. Stop the bleeding.
Amputations. There are several steps to follow when treating amputations.
Treatment:
Cuts & Scrapes.
. Stop the bleeding.
Cardiopulmonary Arrest
(Cardiac Arrest) is the ineffective contractions of the heart causing a cessation of blood circulation throughout the body. The end of circulated blood will result in the patient falling unconscious due to a lack of oxygen. If Cardiac Arrest patients are left untreated brain damage and even death, is very likely. An immediate response is crucial in saving the life of a Cardiac Arrest patient. It’s critical to perform CPR immediately.
A Heart Attack
is when the heart isn’t receiving oxygenated blood. When a patient isn’t receiving oxygenated blood, the heart begins to die. The patient might undergo pain in the center of the chest, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and faintness. Also, pain throughout the body in areas such as neck, shoulders, jaw, teeth and arms.
Treatment: check universal precautions, call 911 immediately or rush the patient to the nearest hospital, have the patient chew aspirin (unless allergic or told otherwise). If the patient is unconscious or unresponsive, perform CPR.
Chest Pain
For patients with Chest Pain the provider may encourage the patient to chew one adult or 2 low-does aspirins (if signs suggest the patient has myocardial infarction and if the patient doesn’t have allergies to aspirin). If the provider is unsure or uncomfortable with such administration of aspirin, then the patient can be referred to EMS.
Respiratory Arrest
is the cessation of oxygen throughout the body. Failure of the lungs to deliver oxygen can result in death if untreated. A lack of oxygen to the brain will cause a loss of consciousness, and immediate treatment is essential for the chances of survival. Artificial ventilation treatment is the necessary act for saving respiratory arrest patients. Make sure to call 911 immediately and then, perform CPR.