Adult CPR

Question 1

Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Answer 1

Adult CPR
—is indicated for any adult that is found to be pulseless and breathless, as long as s obvious signs of death are not present

This would include
—decapitation
—major open chest/cranial vault injuries
—stiff cold extremities (rigor mortis)
—obvious tissue decay

Always combine universal precautions w/ appropriate personal protective gear (gloves) before initiating first aid or CPR on anyone
—the minimum precaution requirements are gloves and the use of a barrier device when mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing

Question 2

Eliminated “look-listen-feel” portion of procedure

Answer 2

—Latest CPR guidelines have eliminated
—but if an unconscious victim is breathing adequately, place them in the recovery position (as long as a spinal injury isn’t suspected) and monitor their breathing
—if the victim is not breathing or is not breathing normally, such as gasping for breath, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is indicated immediately

Question 3

High-quality, “fast-n-hard” CPR

Answer 3

Without a cont. supply of oxygen delivered by a properly functioning heart and lungs, the vital organs will not be able to maintain their functions and will quickly begin to shut down
—this leads to irreversible brain damage and multi-system organ failure within 4-6 min.

Emergency steps
—check scene safety first and victim second
—check victim - in less than 10 seconds, determine if victim is not responsible and isn’t breathing effectively (incl. gasping) - then begin next steps
—call for help - shout and if someone is near, have that person immediately call 911 - if you are alone, call 911 immediately

Question 4

Employ C, A, B, D
1. Compressions

Answer 4

Compressions
1. Quickly position the victim so they are lying flat on their back (supine position) on a HARD STABLE surface (not a bed or sofa)

2. Position yourself on either side of the victim near their upper chest. Compressions can be administered over clothing, but it is best to expose the entire chest (if it’s appropriate for th setting) so that the adequacy of the compressions and rescue breaths can be evaluated during the resuscitation effort.
3. Locate the proper hand position by placing the heel of one hand on the center of the victim’s sternum (breastbone)
   —your hand should note be on the imaginary line btwn the nipples
   —if you can feel the “notch” at the bottom of the sternum, you should move tour hand up about 2 finger widths so that the heel of your hand is centered on the sternum
   —place your other hand directly over the first hand
   —try to keep your fingertips off the chest by interlacing them or holding them upward
4. Position your body so that your shoulders are directly above your hands and the victim’s chest
   —keep your arms straight for consistently powerful compressions
   —this position helps you to deliver smooth straight-down compressions
5. Deliver “hard-and-fast” chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute for an adult
   —a counting method such as “one and two and three and four” will help you keep a smooth and steady rhythm
6. Allow the chest to fully recoil before initiating another compression
   —this allows the chambers of the heart to re-fill with blood before being “pumped out” by the next compression
   —however do NOT remove your hands from their chest btwn compressions
   —this practice keeps hands in proper position and allows you to feel when the chest fully recoils

Question 5

Compressions video notes

Question 6

Note: term “hard and fast” detailed summary

Question 7

Employ C, A, B, D
2. Airway

Question 8

Employ C, A, B, D
3. Breathing

Question 9

Employ C, A, B, D
4. Defibrillation