Cardiac Emergencies and Using an AED

Caring for a Heart Attack:What should you provide for a victim possibly having a heart attack

True or False

Ask questions to get information that relates to the victim's condition.

true

Closely monitor the victim until EMS personnel take over, noting any changes in appearance or behavior.

true

Do not use an AED and/or pads designed for adults on an infant or child younger than 8 years of age or weighing less than 55 pounds.

true

If you see a transdermal medication patch you should use a gloved hand to remove it.

true

Loosen any tight or uncomfortable clothing.

true

Take immediate action and summon EMS personnel.

true

Using an AED in Unique Situations: Determine if these statements about using an AED are true or false.

true or false

Automated External Defibrillators

-AEDs are portable electronic devices that analyze the heart's rhythm and provide an electrical shock. -Defibrillation is the delivery of an electrical shock that may help re-establish an effective rhythm. -CPR can help by supplying blood that contains oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. -However, the sooner an AED is used, the greater the likelihood of survival. -You must assess victims quickly and be prepared to use an AED in cases of cardiac arrest.

Aspirin

-An appropriate dose of aspirin can help a victim who is showing signs of a heart attack if taken soon after the symptoms begin. -Only administer aspirin if local protocols allow or medical direction permits. -Aspirin never should replace advanced medical care, and you should never delay calling EMS to find or offer aspirin. -Follow procedures to assess if a victim showing signs of a heart attack should be given aspirin.

When the Heart Stops

-Any damage to the heart from disease or injury can disrupt the heart's electrical system, resulting in an abnormal heart rhythm that could possibly stop circulation. -AED will analyze the heart's rhythm and determine if there is a shockable rhythm. -Each minute that CPR and defibrillation are delayed, the victim's chance for survival is reduced by about 10 percent.

Administering CPR

-CPR is combination of chest compressions and ventilations to circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs when the heart and breathing have stopped. Perform CPR on a firm, flat surface. -Summoning EMS personnel immediately is critical for the victim's survival. -If an AED is available, it should be used in combination with CPR and according to local protocols until EMS personnel take over.

CPR with Airway Obstruction:Check for Visible Objects

As you open the airway to give ventilations, look in the person's mouth for any visible object. If you can see it, use a finger sweep motion to remove it. If you do not see the object, do not perform a blind finger sweep, but continue CPR. Remember to never attempt more than 2 ventilations during one cycle of CPR, even if the chest does not rise.

How It Happens

Cardiac arrest can occur suddenly and without warning. In many cases, the victim has already been experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

Cardiac Arrest Begins

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating, or beats too irregularly or weakly to circulate blood effectively.

CPR with Airway Obstruction:Continue Compressions and Ventilations

Continuing cycles of 30 compressions and 2 ventilations is the most effective way to provide care. Even if ventilations fail to make the chest rise, compressions may help clear the airway by moving the blockage into the upper airway, where it can be seen and removed.

Two-Rescuer CPR—Adult and Child

During two-rescuer CPR: -One rescuer gives ventilations; the other gives chest compressions. -When performing two-rescuer CPR on a child or infant, rescuers should change the compression-to-ventilation ratio from 30:2 to 15:2. -To avoid rescuer fatigue, rescuers should change positions at least every 2 minutes, or during the analysis of the AED. Changing positions should take less than 5 seconds.

Preparing to use the AED:The victim is on a flat, dry surface, and the assisting responder arrives on the scene with an AED. True or False: Next, the assisting responder should place the AED pads on the victim and tell everyone to stand clear while the AED analyzes the victim's heart rhythm.

False

Your Actions:True or False: You should begin performing chest compressions and ventilations at a rate of 30 and 2, with each compression about 1 inch in depth, at 5 compressions per minute.

False

CPR with Airway Obstruction:Conscious Choking Victim Becomes Unresponsive

If a conscious choking victim becomes unresponsive, carefully lower the victim to a firm, flat surface, send someone to get an AED and summon additional resources, if appropriate and you have not already done so.

Using an AED in Different Weather Conditions

If possible, move the victim to a shelter to protect them from rain or snow. -If the victim is lying in water, move them to a relatively dry area. Be sure there are no puddles of water around you, the victim or the AED. Remove the victim's wet clothing and wipe the chest dry before placing the AED pads. -Do not delay defibrillation when taking steps to provide for a dry environment. Check the manufacturer's instructions for specific information about the AED you will be using.

CPR with Airway Obstruction:Begin CPR with Chest Compressions

Immediately begin CPR with chest compressions. Unlike a conscious choking victim, consent is implied when a victim is unresponsive. However, you must get consent from a parent or guardian, if present, before helping an unresponsive, choking child.

Using an AED on a Person who is on a Metal Surface

It is safe to deliver a shock to a victim in cardiac arrest on a metal surface. Care should be taken that AED pads do not contact the conductive (metal) surface and that no one is touching the victim when the shock button is pushed.

Using an AED around Piercings or Jewelry

Jewelry and body piercings do not need to be removed when you use an AED. However, do not place the AED pads directly over metallic jewelry or body piercings.

Heart Attack

Nausea or vomiting,Dizziness or lightheadedness,Crushing sensation in the center of the chest, Sweating, especially in the face and Chest pain that comes and goes

Cardiac Chain of Survival

Recognize Emergency exists and call 9-1-1, Early CPR, Early defibrillation, Advanced Life Support, Integrated Post event care

Integrated Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

The fifth link is integrated post-cardiac arrest care to optimize ventilation and oxygenation and treat hypotension immediately after the return of spontaneous circulation.

Injury Prevention and Safety

The first link is injury prevention and safety

Recognize emergency and call 9-1-1

The first link is the recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system.

Advanced Life Support

The fourth link is advanced life support using advanced medical personnel, who can provide the proper tools and medication needed to continue the lifesaving care.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support

The fourth link is advanced life support using advanced medical personnel, who can provide the proper tools and medication needed to continue the lifesaving care.

Early CPR

The second link is early CPR to keep oxygen-rich blood flowing and to help delay brain damage and death.

Early CPR

The second link is early, high-quality CPR to keep oxygen-rich blood flowing and to help delay brain damage and death.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs of a cardiac arrest include sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, abnormal breathing and no pulse.

Early Defibrillation

The third link is early defibrillation to help restore an effective heart rhythm and significantly increase the victim's chance for survival.

Early Emergency Care

The third link is rapid activation of the emergency medical services (EMS) system response team to get help on the way quickly—no matter the victim's age.

Cardiac Arrest

Unresponsiveness,Sudden Collapse,No pulse,Abnormal breathing

Using an AED

When cardiac arrest occurs, use an AED as soon as it is available and ready.

Two-Rescuer CPR—Infant

When performing two-rescuer CPR on an infant: -One rescuer gives ventilations; the other gives chest compressions. -Rescuers should change the compression-to-ventilation ratio from 30:2 to 15:2. -Rescuers should use the encircling thumbs technique to provide chest compressions. To avoid rescuer fatigue, rescuers should change positions at least every 2 minutes, or during the analysis of the AED. Changing positions should take less than 5 seconds.

An AED cannot be used on a pregnant person.

false

Continue CPR while the AED is analyzing.

false

Immediately begin CPR and prepare to use an AED.

false

Never shock a person who is suffering from traumatic injuries.

false

Never shock someone who has an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker device.

false

Put the victim in a side-lying recovery position.

false

Use alcohol wipes to clean the victim's chest.

false

Pediatric Chain of Survival

injury prevention and safety, early CPR, early emergency care, pediatric advanced life support, integrated post-cardiac arrest care