BLS Flashcards
What does DRS ABC stand for?
Danger Response Shout Airway Breathing Circulation
How is Danger handled in DRS ABC?
Check the area for danger
Keep yourself safe, no need for anymore casualties
How is Response handled in DRS ABC?
Shake patients shoulders and ask loudly ‘are you okay?’
If there is a response, leave the person in the position they were found in ensuring there’s no further danger - try to find out what is wrong, getting help if necessary and reassessing regularly
If there is no response, person should be laid on their back and the rest of the pneumonic followed
How is Shout handled in DRS ABC?
Shout for help
Ask someone to phone 999 - state location, phone number and nature of emergency
Ask someone to get AED (Automated External Defibrilator) and bag valve mask
May need someone to help with CPR
How is Airway handled in DRS ABC?
Remove any foreign body with finger sweep
Open airways with a head tilt/chin lift or jaw thrust (if suspected spinal damage)
Remove loose dentures, but retain if they are well fitting as they provide a better oral seal
How is Breathing handled in DRS ABC?
Check the persons breathing by placing ear over their mouth and looking down towards their chest
Look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds
Ignore agonal breaths
If breathing, put in recovery position and continually reassess situation
If not breathing, check circulation and continue to CPR
How is Circulation handled in DRS ABC?
Palpate the persons carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds
This may be done in conjunction with the breathing assessment
How should chest compressions be carried out in CPR?
Interlock fingers, place on centre of chest, compress by 5-6cm at a rate of 100-120 per minute, 30 compressions to 2 ventilations
How should ventilation be carried out in CPR?
Place bag valve mask over mouth and nose and secure with palms of hands and thumbs
During the two ventilations, compress bag fully and allow to refill completely
How should an AED be used during CPR?
When AED arrives, place pads in positions illustrated immediately without stopping CPR
Follow the instructions given by the AED
For how long should CPR be carried out?
Continue CPR and defibrillation until the person regains consciousness or the ambulance arrives
What cardiac rhythms are shockable?
Ventricular Fibrillation
Ventricular Tachycardia
How is an oropharyngeal airway inserted?
Check from corner of mouth to angle of mandible then insert so the curve goes into the trachea
How is a nasopharyngeal airway inserted?
Check from nostril to auricle of ear, insert up nasal cavity
