BLS

Question 1

what is the chain of survival?

Answer 1

early recognition and call for help
early CPR
early defibrillation
post resus care

Question 2

recognising symptoms of a cardiac arrest?

Answer 2

fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, chest pain, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness

Question 3

how are good chest compressions performed?

Answer 3

hands in middle of sternum, arms perpendicular to the floor

Question 4

what kind of chest compressions are best?

Answer 4

uninterrupted ones

Question 5

what interruptions could occur during chest compressions?

Answer 5

pulse checks, rhythm analysis, defibrillation, airway management, vascular access

Question 6

automated external defibrillators

Answer 6

they are safe, reliable, computerised, analyse heart rhythms, will only shock someone who is dead

Question 7

how do you create a safe environment before shocking?

Answer 7

patient must be dead
oxygen away (to prevent fire)
chains and metal objects removed
no direct contact
remove patient from water (dry chest)
12cm away from any pacemaker
prevent indirect contact
remove bra/clothing
defib over breasts
chemically inert environment
shave chest hair where pads go
medication patches

Question 8

what accessories come in the AED?

Answer 8

pads, machine, cloth, air mask, razor, gloves

Question 9

what is the ideal adult pad position?

Answer 9

‘north south’ on chest
right shoulder left hip

Question 10

basic life support algorithm (general)

Answer 10

Danger - observable dangers?
Response - shake shoulders and ask to open eyes if they can hear you
(scream for help and tell them to wait there while you assess the breathing)
Airways - head tilt chin lift (hand on chin and forehead) for 10 seconds
Breathing - look at their chest

Question 11

what do you do if they are not breathing?

Answer 11

Circulation - begin chest compressions
“Can you call an ambulance and tell them we have an unconcious non-breathing patient at BDH, and find me an AED please”
AED arrives. turn it on, put pad plugs in and attach pads. make sure no one is near the patient and shock

Question 12

what do you do if they are breathing?

Answer 12

proceed with recovery position
check pockets dont have any sharp objects
put one arm at right angle and other bring hand to cheek of face and hold it there
put knee to right angle (up) and pull patient towards you
check their breathing every 2-3mins to ensure they are still breathing using head-tilt chin lift

Question 13

where can you find AEDs?

Answer 13

they are a green bag with a heart with a lightning symbol through it
the british heart foundation database, “The Circuit” serves as a national resource for the location of AEDs