Chapter 14- When NOT to start CPR Flashcards
as an EMT, it is important to start CPR on all patients who are in
Cardiac arrest
there are three general exceptions to this rule. Name them.
-Do not start CPR if the scene is not safe
-Do not start CPR if the patient has obvious signs of death
-Do not start CPR if the patient and the patient’s physician have previously agreed on a DNR order
Obvious signs of death include an absence of pulse and breathing along with the following:
rigor mortis
Dependent lividity
Putrefacation
Evidence of non-survivable injury OK
What is rigor mortis?
Stiffening of the body after death
What is dependent lividity?
Liver mortis, or a discoloration of the skin caused by a pooling of blood
What is putrefacation?
Decomposition of the body tissues
give examples of non-survivable injuries
Decapitation
Dismemberment
Being burned beyond recognition
in the case where a DNR is not readily producible by the patient’s family or caregiver you should
Begin CPR under the rule of implied consent and contact medical control for further guidance
if a valid DNR or living wheel is produced
This gives you permission not to attempt resuscitation
you may also encounter POLST or MOLST. These stand for:
Physician orders for life sustaining treatment
Medical orders for life, sustaining treatment
What do these documents describe?
they describe the acceptable interventions for the patient in the form of a medical order. They must be signed by an authorized medical provider to be valid
When in doubt, always give too much care rather than too little. Therefore always start CPR if any doubt exists
True
