How to handle a cardiac emergency!

Early recognition and Early Access to EMS Early CPR Early Defibrillation Early Advanced Life Support Early Rehabilitation

Persistent chest discomfort

Discomfort that spreads to shoulder, neck, jaw,arm

Trouble breathing Nausea/vomiting

Trouble breathing Dizziness, light-

headed, fainting Pale/ashen/

grayish/bluish skin Sweating Denial of

signs/symptoms

Immediately call EMS Have the victim rest Loosen any tight clothing Comfort the victim Assist with any medication Be prepared to perform CPR or use AED

Life threatening emergency Heart stops beating/beating irregularly or

weakly to circulate blood Signs + symptoms: unconsciousness, no

pulse Can occur without warning

Combination of rescue breaths and chest compressions

Circulates blood and oxygen – DOES NOT RE-START THE HEART

Increases the chances of survival CPR techniques are modified for body size

Victim’s ribs may breakVictim may vomit

The scene may be chaoticVictim may not survive

30 Compression…2 breaths Compress the chest 1/3 depth of chest Compress the chest at a rate of 100

compressions per minute

30 Compressions…2 breaths Compress the chest 1/3 width of chest Compress the chest at a rate of 100

compressions per minute

30 Compressions…2 breaths Compress the chest 1/3 depth of Compress the chest at a rate of 100

compressions per minute Use 2-3 fingers in the center of the chest

Adult…remains 30 compressions/2 breaths

Child and infant…changes to 15 compressions/2 breaths

When two rescuers begin CPR together…◦ FIRST rescuer does the initial assessment and

the SECOND rescuer gets into position to do chest compressions

◦ If there is no breathing/pulse, first rescuer says, “BEGIN CPR!”

◦ Change about every 2 minutes

◦ **Always, always call your compressions out loud!!**

Keep going until…◦ Another trained rescuer arrives and takes over◦ You are too exhausted to continue◦ The scene becomes unsafe◦ You notice an obvious sign of life