Using AB-CABS and The Cycle Of Care To Prioritize Primary Care Flashcards
What else can the A stand for in AB CABS?
Assess the scene
Apply barriers - protection
What does DRS ABCD stand for?
Dangers Responsive Send for help Airway Breathing CPR Defibrillator
What is ventricular fibrillation?
When the natural electrical impulses of the heart malfunction and the heart begins to beat erratically
What do automated external defibrillators (AEDs) do?
They deliver and electric shock disrupting the abnormal twitching. It can allow the hearts normal heartbeat to return
How do AEDs work?
It’s a portable machine that automatically delivers a shock to a patient not breathing.
They connect to the patient via two chest pads. The computer analyses the patients need for shock. If the patient needs one, a shock is advised.
How much blood does the human body contain?
Six litres/quarts of blood
What could happen if you rapidly lose 1 litre?
It’s very dangerous and could lead to death
What is Arterial bleeding?
When bright red blood spurts from a wound in rhythm with the heartbeat. It’s the most serious type of bleeding since blood loss occurs very quickly. If a major artery is cut, death could occur within minutes
What is Venous bleeding?
Dark red blood steadily flows from the wound. Can be life threatening and must be controlled quickly
What is Capillary bleeding?
Blood slowly oozes from the wound. May stop on it’s own or is easy to handle with direct pressure.
What should you do if a patient has serious bleeding?
Use barriers, activate EMS, quickly render care to prevent excessive blood loss.
What happens during shock?
The body begins to shut down
What are the nine indications of shock?
Rapid/weak pulse Pale or bluish tissue colour Moist clammy skin with possible shivering Mental confusion Altered consciousness Nausea and or vomiting Thirst Lacklustre eyes / dazed look Shallow but rapid laboured breathing
How can you manage shock?
Keep the patient still
Maintain the patients body temperature
Elevate the patients legs
What are vertebrae?
Rings of bones surrounding the spinal cord making up the back bone
Which is the worst place to damage the spinal cord?
The higher up the spinal column the injury, the more likely it will cause a serious disability
How should you look after someone with a suspected spinal cord injury?
Keep the patient still and support the head to minimise movement.
What are the indications of a spinal cord injury?
Change of consciousness-fainting Difficulty breathing Vision problems Inability to move a body part Headache Vomiting Loss of balance Tingling or numbness in the hands, fingers feet and or toes Pain in back of neck area
When should you suspect a spinal injury?
Traffic/car accident Being thrown from a motorised vehicle Falling from a height Penetration wound like a gunshot Severe blow to the head neck or back Swimming pool headfirst dive Lightning strike Serious impact injury Patient complaining of pain in neck or back
What are the situations when you might need to move a patient?
If they are in water
Near a burning object or structure that could explode
Patient is under an unstable structure
Patient is on an unstable slope
Patient is in the middle of a road where you can redirect traffic
