BLS Guidelines for Cardiac Arrest

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Questions and Answers

What should a lone rescuer do after ensuring the scene is safe and finding an unresponsive adult?

Start chest compressions immediately

Phone the emergency response system

Administer naloxone IM or IN

Check for a response by tapping the victim on the shoulder and shouting at the victim (correct)

What is the recommended depth of chest compression?

At least 7-8 cm

At least 9-10 cm

At least 5-6 cm (correct)

At least 3-4 cm

What should the rescuer do after compressing the chest?

Release the chest and allow it to recoil completely (correct)

Check for a pulse

Administer rescue breaths

Hold the compression for a few seconds

In what position should the victim be placed for CPR?

Supine position Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended rate of chest compressions?

100-120 per minute Signup and view all the answers

When should the rescuer phone the emergency response system?

After checking for a response Signup and view all the answers

In what case can naloxone be administered IM or IN?

In cases of suspected opiate overdose Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended position of the rescuer during chest compressions?

Kneeling position Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended compression rate for CPR?

90-120 compressions per minute Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of airway obstruction in an unresponsive victim?

Fallen back tongue Signup and view all the answers

In what type of arrest should rescue breaths be performed by all trained rescuers?

Pediatric arrests Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of defibrillation?

To stop ventricular fibrillation Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a victim's airway is obstructed?

Breathing becomes more difficult Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths in CPR?

30:2 Signup and view all the answers

Why is early defibrillation important in cardiac arrest?

It increases the chance of survival Signup and view all the answers

What is an automated external defibrillator (AED)?

A device that analyzes a heart rhythm and prompts the user to deliver a shock when necessary Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of using a fireplace bellows in the 1530s?

To introduce air into lungs Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the 'Inversion Method' used?

1770 Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of using the 'Inversion Method' in drowning cases?

Higher chance of survival Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of using the 'Barrel Method' in the 1770s?

To compress the chest for expiration Signup and view all the answers

What was the modification of the 'Russian Method' in 1803?

Burying the victim upright with head and chest exposed Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of using CPR immediately on a cardiac arrest victim?

Double or triple the chance of survival Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of using the 'Flagellation Method' in early ages?

To stimulate a response with pain Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of attempts to resuscitate patients throughout history?

To save lives Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cardiac Arrest and BLS

Early recognition of cardiac arrest is crucial, and the rescuer must ensure the safety of the scene before intervening.
Early BLS and early defibrillation (within 1-2 minutes) can save more than 50% of patients.

Naloxone Administration

Naloxone can be administered IM or IN to unresponsive patients in case of suspected opiate overdose, even for non-healthcare providers (lay rescuers).
This is a Class 2B recommendation.

Cardiac Arrest Recognition

If a lone rescuer finds an unresponsive adult or witnesses an adult who suddenly collapses, they should check for a response by tapping the victim on the shoulder and shouting at the victim.
If the victim also has absent or abnormal breathing (i.e., only gasping), the rescuer should assume the victim is in cardiac arrest.

Chest Compressions

The victim should be on a hard surface, in a supine position, with the rescuer in a kneeling position.
Place the heel of one hand on the sternum and the other hand on top of the first, with fingers interlaced.
Extend the elbows and lean directly over the victim, pressing down to compress the chest at least 5-6 cm.
Release the chest and allow it to recoil completely.
The universal rhythm for compressions is 100-120 per minute, which can be remembered using the Bee Gees' song "Stayin' Alive".

Airway and Breathing

The fallen back tongue is a common cause of airway obstruction in an unresponsive victim.
Head tilt, chin lift, and jaw thrust are maneuvers used to overcome airway obstruction.
Head tilt is contraindicated in a trauma victim, where jaw thrust is the preferred choice.

Rescue Breaths

To perform the mouth-to-mouth technique, pinch the patient's nostrils closed, put the mouth completely over the patient's mouth, and give each breath for approximately 1 second with enough force to make the patient's chest rise.
Failure to observe chest rise indicates an inadequate mouth seal or airway occlusion.
Rescue breaths should be performed in pediatric arrests, arrests due to asphyxia (drowning, drug overdose), and prolonged CPR.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Defibrillation is a process in which an electronic device gives an electrical shock to the heart, stopping ventricular fibrillation and allowing the return of a normal heart rhythm.
A victim's chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are small portable devices that analyze a heart rhythm and prompt the user to deliver a shock when necessary.

History of Basic Life Support (BLS)

Attempts to resuscitate patients have changed dramatically throughout history, with each version developed in hope of saving lives.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival if it is given immediately.
Various methods have been used in the past, including flagellation, heat, inversion, bellows, barrel, and Russian methods.

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Description

Learn about the importance of early recognition and response to cardiac arrest, including the administration of naloxone and defibrillation within 1-2 minutes.