EMR - Day #4 Flashcards
What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops.
What is CPR?
CPR is the manual takeover of the heart.
Are ventricular rhythms of the heart shockable?
Yes, ventricular rhythms of the heart are shockable.
Which rhythms of the heart are none shockable?
The rhythms of the heart that are none shockable are asystole and normal sinus rhythm.
Can you continue CPR while defibrillator is winding up for a shock?
Yes, always continue CPR while defibrillator is winding up for a shock.
What is an advanced directive?
An advanced directive is DNR (do not resuscitate) order.
Can you stop BLS if you have been verbally told about a DNR?
No, you must continue BLS until you can physically see a DNR to check if it is not expired or fake and for the right person.
What does ROSC stand for?
Return Of Spontaneous Circulation.
What are signs of obvious death?
Tissue decomposition
Decapitation
Incineration
Open skull fracture w/exposed brain matter
When can you stop CPR?
You can stop CPR when it has been underway for 30 mins and there has been no ROSC.
When should you contact EPOS for a cardiac arrest call?
You should contact EPOS when there have been 3 consecutive no shocks, 15 mins of responder CPR has elapsed, if there are treatable causes (electrocution, hypothermia)
What should you do if you have been ordered to transport a cardiac arrest patient?
You should analyze on the AED every 4-5 mins, ambulance must be stopped for this to happen as movement can disrupt readings. Stay in place until first no shock.
How to know if a patient is in cardiac arrest?
A patient is in cardiac arrest if they do not have a carotid pulse.
What does ROLE stand for?
Recognition Of Life Extinct.
What is ROLE?
ROLE is when a patient has no palpable carotid pulse for 90 secs, no heart sounds for 90 secs, no response to central stimuli, fixed/dilated pupils.
How many responders have to confirm ROLE?
Two responders are needed to confirm ROLE.
What does FBAO stand for?
Foreign Body Airway Obstruction.
What types of airway obstructions are there?
There are anatomical airway obstructions (swollen airway) and FBAOs.
For partial FBAOs what should you do?
Encourage patient to cough and move them towards the ambulance.
What should you do for complete FBAOs?
Try back blows, if unsuccessful then try abdominal thrusts (if can’t do abdominal thrusts then do chest thrusts) do not do all three!
What is traumatic cardiac arrest?
Traumatic cardiac arrest is when the patient is in cardiac arrest do to some form of trauma instead of a medical reason.
What can cause cardiac arrest?
Cardiovascular disease
Myocardial infarction
Asphyxiation
Severe chest trauma
Severe blood loss
Hypothermia
Electrocution
Poisoning
What is a myocardial infarction?
It is a heart attack
What is asphyxiation?
It is a lack of oxygen.
