First Aid and Cardiac Emergencies Quiz

First Aid and Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac Arrest

Signs and Symptoms

Cardiac arrest is a serious medical emergency that can occur suddenly and without warning. The signs of cardiac arrest include:

• Sudden loss of responsiveness: The person doesn’t respond, even if you tap them hard on the shoulders or ask loudly if they're OK.
• No normal breathing or only gasping for air.

First Aid

If you suspect someone is experiencing cardiac arrest:

1. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
2. Start CPR with chest compressions, pushing at least two inches in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
3. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as it arrives, turning it on and following the prompts.
4. Continue CPR until the person starts to breathe or move or until someone with more advanced training, such as an EMS team member, takes over.

CPR Techniques

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique that can help restore blood circulation and oxygenation in the event of cardiac arrest. The recommended technique for CPR is:

1. Ensure scene safety.
2. Check for response.
3. Shout for help.
4. Call 911 or your local emergency number.
5. Check for no breathing or only gasping.
6. Begin CPR with compressions, pushing down at least two inches in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
7. Allow the chest to come back up to its normal position after each push.
8. Use an AED as soon as it arrives, following the prompts.
9. Continue CPR until the person starts to breathe or move or until someone with more advanced training takes over.

Defibrillator Use

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that can help restore a normal heart rhythm in the event of cardiac arrest. If an AED is available and you have been trained in its use, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.
2. Place the pads on the person's chest as directed.
3. Allow the AED to analyze the person's heart rhythm.
4. If the AED recommends a shock, administer it according to the device's instructions.

Stroke Response

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients. The signs of a stroke include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding.
• Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

First Aid

If you suspect someone is experiencing a stroke:

1. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
2. If the person is conscious and able to swallow, give them aspirin as directed by a healthcare professional.
3. If the person is unconscious or unresponsive, begin CPR immediately.

Before Giving Care and Checking an Injured or Ill Person

Before providing care to an injured or ill person:

1. Ensure scene safety.
2. Check for response.
3. Shout for help.
4. Call 911 or your local emergency number.
5. Check for no breathing or only gasping.

If the person is unconscious and unresponsive, with no breathing or pulse:

1. Begin CPR immediately, following the recommended technique for chest compressions and defibrillator use.
2. If an AED is available, follow the voice prompts while continuing CPR.

In summary, first aid for cardiac emergencies involves promptly calling for help, starting CPR, and using an AED if available. Knowing how to respond to a cardiac arrest or stroke can save lives.