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Questions and Answers
What is the main priority during Basic Life Support (BLS)?
What is the main priority during Basic Life Support (BLS)?
What is the recommended depth for chest compressions during CPR?
What is the recommended depth for chest compressions during CPR?
What action should be taken if a bleeding wound has an embedded object?
What action should be taken if a bleeding wound has an embedded object?
What should be done when encountering an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally?
What should be done when encountering an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally?
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During a cardiac arrest, what might be observed in the patient?
During a cardiac arrest, what might be observed in the patient?
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What should be done immediately after starting CPR?
What should be done immediately after starting CPR?
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What is the purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?
What is the purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?
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What is the proper response for controlling a bleeding site?
What is the proper response for controlling a bleeding site?
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What is the primary purpose of applying a tourniquet?
What is the primary purpose of applying a tourniquet?
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Which of the following conditions should prompt the avoidance of using a tourniquet?
Which of the following conditions should prompt the avoidance of using a tourniquet?
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How should a wound be packed to control bleeding?
How should a wound be packed to control bleeding?
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What is a homeostatic agent?
What is a homeostatic agent?
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Which topical agent is known to convert fibrinogen to fibrin?
Which topical agent is known to convert fibrinogen to fibrin?
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What should be done if bleeding continues after a tourniquet is applied?
What should be done if bleeding continues after a tourniquet is applied?
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Which pressure points should be applied to control major arterial bleeding in the groin area?
Which pressure points should be applied to control major arterial bleeding in the groin area?
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What is the effect of applying a tourniquet incorrectly for an extended period?
What is the effect of applying a tourniquet incorrectly for an extended period?
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What should be done if a person experiences swelling and stiffness after a tourniquet is applied?
What should be done if a person experiences swelling and stiffness after a tourniquet is applied?
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Study Notes
Basic Life Support (BLS)
- BLS is provided by first responders during cardiac arrest and respiratory distress.
- Early BLS can restart the heart and delay fatal outcomes.
Cardiac Arrest
- Unresponsive, absent or abnormal breathing (laboured, agonal gasping, moaning, sighing, groaning) are signs of cardiac arrest.
- Seizure-like movements may occur initially.
- The heart stops beating and cannot circulate blood properly.
BLS Steps
- Check for response: Determine if the person is conscious.
- Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing.
- Call emergency services: Dial the appropriate emergency number.
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Start CPR: Perform chest compressions and rescue breaths.
- Compress the lower half of the sternum (center of the chest), 5-6 cm deep, at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
- Ensure full chest recoil.
- Use a 30:2 ratio of compressions to rescue breaths.
- Do not stop CPR unless help arrives or you are exhausted.
AED
- An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) recognizes the heart's electrical impulse.
- It delivers an electric shock that increases the chances of survival.
- The AED provides clear instructions for use.
Bleeding
- Direct pressure is the initial response to control bleeding.
- Apply pressure to the bleeding site using a clean cloth, tissue, gauze, or bandage.
- Maintain pressure until bleeding stops or help arrives.
- If the wound is on an arm or leg, raise the limb above the heart to slow bleeding.
- Direct pressure cannot be used for deep wounds or large blood vessel injuries, neck or torso wounds, crash injuries, amputations, or people with blood disorders (hemophilia, blood thinners).
Embedded Object
- Do not remove an embedded object, but apply pressure around it to control bleeding.
- If the object is protruding from the wound, use a bandage or gauze to control bleeding around it.
- Never attempt to remove glass, splinters, knife blades, etc. from a wound.
Tourniquets
- Use tourniquets for extreme, life-threatening bleeding.
- Apply pressure to the bleeding site, 2-3 inches above the wound, over a bone, not a joint.
- Tighten the tourniquet until bleeding stops.
- Cover the tourniquet with a clean dressing.
- Do not loosen the tourniquet or compression dressing without medical instructions.
- Check the tourniquet every 2 hours for swelling, muscle stiffness, new bleeding.
- Only remove or loosen the tourniquet when medical care arrives.
- Tourniquets may cause nerve and muscle damage, deep vein thrombosis, organ damage, limb ischemia, and loss of limb if:
- Applied incorrectly
- Applied for too long
- The person has certain medical conditions (hypertension, sickle cell anemia, peripheral vascular disease).
Wound Packing
- Wash your hands with soap and remove any bandage.
- Clean the wound with saline and a sterile gauze.
- Use packing material (sterile gauze) to fill the wound.
- Use your fingers to push the packing material into the wound.
- Secure the packing with a bandage over the wound.
Pressure Points
- Pressure points are specific areas where pressure can be applied to control bleeding.
- Examples include:
- Femoral area: Lower artery (groin)
- Brachial: Upper arm (lower arm)
- Radial: Wrist and hand (base of thumb)
- Supraclavicular: Neck and head (above the clavicle)
Homeostatic Agents
- Substances that promote blood clotting and control bleeding.
- Topical hemostatic agents: Applied directly to the bleeding site.
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Systemic hemostatic agents: Taken orally or injected to promote clot formation throughout the body:
- Thrombin: Protein that converts fibrinogen to fibrin.
- Von Willebrand Factor Concentrate: Medication to replace missing factor in people with von Willebrand disease.
- Desmopressin: Releases von Willebrand factor.
- Tranexamic Acid: Prevents breakdown of clots.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Basic Life Support procedures! This quiz covers essential BLS steps, signs of cardiac arrest, and the importance of early intervention. Perfect for first responders and anyone interested in life-saving techniques.
