Basic Life Support Guidelines 2021

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Questions and Answers

What is the first action to take after performing 30 chest compressions during Basic Life Support?

Open the airway. (correct)

Start automatic external defibrillator (AED).

Call for emergency help.

Provide rescue breaths.

What technique is recommended for keeping the airway open during rescue breathing?

Pinch the victim's nose and lift their chin. (correct)

Push down on the abdomen.

Turn the victim onto their side.

Cover the victim's mouth with a cloth.

How long should effective rescue breaths take?

Approximately 1 second each. (correct)

Approximately 2 seconds each.

Instantly without timing.

More than 3 seconds each.

What should be done with the victim's mouth while giving rescue breaths?

Allow it to open naturally. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical step to ensure effective rescue breathing?

Seal the victim's mouth completely. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about rescue breaths is NOT correct?

Rescue breaths should be forceful and continuous. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after achieving an open airway?

Give rescue breaths. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using fingers to pinch the victim's nose during rescue breaths?

To create a seal for effective airflow. Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate action that should be taken if defibrillation is not indicated?

Start CPR with 30 compressions. Signup and view all the answers

When is it appropriate to discontinue CPR for rhythm analysis?

After about two minutes of CPR. Signup and view all the answers

If a witness is alone and needs to call emergency services, what should they do first?

Call the emergency number before starting CPR. Signup and view all the answers

How deep should chest compressions be performed?

At least 5 cm but not deeper than 6 cm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended compression rate during CPR?

100–120 compressions per minute. Signup and view all the answers

What should not be delayed when an AED is ready for use?

The defibrillation process. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about fully automated AEDs is true?

They have not been sufficiently tested for safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the priority action when a person is unresponsive and not breathing properly?

Perform CPR immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step to take when a person is unconscious and not breathing?

Call an ambulance Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to start if a person is unresponsive and not breathing?

Basic Life Support (BLS) Signup and view all the answers

When performing CPR, how many chest compressions should be done before giving rescue breaths?

30 compressions followed by 2 breaths Signup and view all the answers

What situation does the ILCOR CoSTR document emphasize as a barrier to saving lives?

Airway obstruction caused by a foreign body Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if an AED becomes available at the scene?

Turn on the AED and follow its prompts Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical step to follow after administering a shock with the AED?

Continue CPR, starting with chest compressions Signup and view all the answers

How is agonal breathing interpreted in the context of cardiac arrest?

As a symptom of cardiac arrest Signup and view all the answers

How should the AED pads be applied to the victim?

Following the placement instructions on the pads and AED Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant update made in the guidelines regarding CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Protocols for protecting rescuers are developed Signup and view all the answers

What should rescuers refer to for the latest guidance on treating patients with COVID-19?

National guidelines and European Resuscitation Council recommendations Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured while the AED is analyzing the victim's heart rhythm?

No one is touching the victim Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a step in using an AED?

Ensure the victim is wet Signup and view all the answers

When were the recent guidelines for CPR made available for public consultation?

October 2020 Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct action if multiple rescuers are available?

Perform CPR in turns while the AED is being attached Signup and view all the answers

During early moments of cardiac arrest, which of the following symptoms might be observed?

Short episode of twitching movements Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the system for treating COVID-19 patients remains uncertain?

Optimal treatment protocols and infection transmission risks Signup and view all the answers

What actions can non-healthcare workers perform in an emergency situation?

Perform chest compressions and use an AED Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about agonal breathing?

It indicates the presence of life Signup and view all the answers

Which technology is suggested for aiding emergency medical services?

Smartphones and video communication Signup and view all the answers

What should be suspected if someone suddenly stops speaking while eating?

Suffocation caused by a foreign body Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between agonal breathing and survival outcomes?

It is associated with improved outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What should a first aider encourage a choking victim to do?

Cough forcefully Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a term commonly used by non-healthcare workers to describe agonal breathing?

Normal breathing Signup and view all the answers

What factor complicates the recognition of cardiac arrest events?

Misinterpretation of agonal breathing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basic Life Support (BLS) Guidelines

Procedure for Basic Life Support includes a series of immediate actions taken during a cardiac arrest or when a person is unresponsive.
Start with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths if trained.
Ensure airway is clear by tilting the head back and lifting the chin while pinching the nose.

Shoulders and Compression Technique

Compress the lower half of the sternum to a depth of at least 5 cm but not more than 6 cm.
Maintain a compression rate of 100-120 per minute.
High-quality chest compressions are critical and should be started as soon as possible.

Rescue Breaths

For rescue breaths, create an airtight seal over the victim’s mouth and deliver air slowly over one second for each breath.
Allow the chest to rise visibly with each breath.

Use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

Locate an AED promptly, as its use is vital within the cardiac arrest response.
Turn on the AED immediately when it arrives, and follow voice or visual prompts.
Apply electrodes to the victim’s chest according to the device instructions.

Communicating with Emergency Services

Contact emergency services as soon as a person is found unresponsive and not breathing.
If alone, use speakerphone mode to initiate a call while starting CPR on the victim.

Management of Agonal Breathing

Agonal breathing is a sign of severe distress and should be treated as if the person is not breathing.
This abnormal breathing often indicates a cardiac arrest and may improve outcomes if recognized early.

Choking Response

Choking is suspected when an individual suddenly cannot speak or breathe, especially while eating.
Encourage the victim to cough if conscious; if they cannot, deliver back blows and abdominal thrusts until the airway is clear.

Resuscitation in COVID-19 Context

BLS guidelines have been updated to include considerations for treating patients with COVID-19, ensuring safety for rescuers due to the risk of infection.
Follow local and national guidelines related to the management of COVID-19 patients during resuscitation.

Importance of Immediate Action

Begin CPR immediately if a person shows no signs of responsiveness or normal breathing.
The faster high-quality compressions and rescue breaths are administered, the greater the chance of survival.

Training and Awareness

Public awareness and training in CPR and AED usage are crucial to improving outcomes in cardiac arrest cases.
Non-healthcare professionals can effectively perform CPR and operate an AED, contributing significantly to community health.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential steps for performing Basic Life Support (BLS) as outlined in the 2021 resuscitation guidelines. It provides a clear and concise review of the procedures that can save lives in emergency situations. Test your knowledge on resuscitation techniques and ensure you are prepared for critical scenarios.