Chapter 7 Basic Life Support LifeSaving Procedures Clearing

Chapter 7 Basic Life Support

Life-Saving Procedures • Clearing an obstructed airway • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) • Use of automated external defibrillator (AED) • NOTE: Proper training and certification are needed to prepare for a lifesaving event. 2

Legal Considerations • Good Samaritan Laws – Passed in all states to encourage bystanders to provide the required help in all situations – Laws vary from state to state. – Be familiar with the laws in your state. • Everyone has the right to refuse any medical care. 3

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation • Procedure that combines rescue breathing and chest compressions – Rescue breathing supplies oxygen to the lungs. – Chest compressions circulate blood throughout the body. • CPR is done whenever the heart and lungs stop working. 4

Sudden Cardiac Arrest • Surviving sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is dependent on how fast a patient is defibrillated. – For each minute a patient is in arrest, the chance of survival decreases by about 10%. – Very few people are resuscitated after 10 minutes. 5

Chain of Survival 1. Immediate recognition and activation of EMS 2. Early CPR with an emphasis on effective chest compression 3. Rapid defibrillation 4. Effective advanced life-support procedures (by paramedics or high medical personnel) 5. Integrated post–cardiac arrest care 6

Personal Safety • Use the acronym SETUP to remember personal safety: – – – Stop Environment Traffic Unknown hazards Protect yourself and the patient 7

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) • A small, portable device that can accurately identify whether defibrillation is needed – Analyzes heart rhythm – Advises rescuer when shock is indicated – Provides necessary shock to patient through electrodes – Can dramatically improve survival rate 8

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) • Careful training is necessary. – The trained rescuer has the ability to provide defibrillation much earlier than EMS when it is accessible. 9

Foreign Body Airway Obstructions • Can occur in a conscious or unconscious person • When choking, the victim’s hands usually grasp the neck. – Universal sign of choking • Completely obstructed airway – Victim unable to cough, speak, or breathe 10

Obstructed Airway Maneuver • If the victim cannot talk, cough or breathe, begin this maneuver. – Rescuer stands behind conscious victim – Wrap your hands around victim’s waist and make a fist with one hand – Place thumb side of the fist against the victim’s abdomen directly above the navel but below the sternum. 11

Obstructed Airway Maneuver • Grasp fist with your other hand – With a quick upward thrust, attempt to knock the wind out of the person to remove the obstruction. • Continue until the person is able to breathe again. 12

An Unconscious Patient with an Airway Obstruction • Lay the patient in a supine position. • Begin CPR, starting with compressions. • Look in the patient’s mouth and remove anything seen. • Stand behind the victim, with your arms under the victim’s armpits, and surround the chest. 13

An Unconscious Patient with an Airway Obstruction • Place thumb side of your fist in the middle of the victim’s chest. • Grab your other hand, and with a quick backward thrust, attempt to knock the wind out of the person to remove the obstruction. • Continue until the person is able to breathe again. 14

The Log Roll • Log roll is a procedure used to turn over a patient who is laying face-down without causing additional injury to the spine • Improper lifting and moving is a leading cause of back injury. – Do not practice this move if you have a history of back problems. 15

The Log Roll • Pay careful attention to proper lifting and moving techniques at all times. – Use your legs, not your back. – Keep your weight as close to the patient’s body as possible. – Avoid twisting, sustained or intense exertion, and awkward or extreme postures. 16

The Log Roll • A single rescuer can accomplish the log roll; however the more rescuers that are available, the safer the log roll is for the patient. 17