Basic Life Support Flashcards
(28 cards)
Step one of BLS?
SMART
Next steps of BLS?
Check Responsiveness
- Call name, pinch ear
- Assess breathing for 10 secs (LLF)
- Begin CPR while 2 preps defib
- remove top
- Attach pads
- Ensure AR en route if not already called
- Gain 360 access (circle of life)
Airway Management
Is FBAO suspected?
If yes then yes larnygoscope and forceps
After 30 compressions
-Open & Inspect airway
What are the four positions of the circle of life?
1 - Airway (at patient head, manage airway)
2 - Left side of patient at chest (Chest compressions and defibrillation
3 - Right side of patient - IV/IO access
4 - Team Leader - Stand at patient feet and oversee resuscitation - situational awareness, decision making, ensure high quality CPR
2 and 3 can swap around to prevent fatigue
What are some means to ensure high quality CPR?
- Coordinate roles
- Keep compression interruptions to a minimum
- Plan pauses to interruptions
- High quality compressions
- Use capnography
- Vascular access
- Advanced airway
- O2
- Adrenaline and Amiodarone
What are some pitfalls inhibiting high quality CPR?
- Raised voices
- Commands not clearly given
- Statements made into thin air
- Open ended communication
If the patient is semi-conscious what airway interventions are appropriate?
Guedel and Nasopharyngeal airways
If the patient is unconscious what airway intervention is appropriate?
Igel
Laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
When should an airway intervention be attempted?
After defibrillation and 30 chest compression and after airway inspection.
What does an SGA allow for?
Continuous ventilation alongside compression provided chest expansion is visible. 10 ventilations a minute with SGA.
What is a serious consideration regarding oxygen and defibrillation?
Oxygen is combustible. So if breathing set up is disconnect ensure it is one metre away prior to shock.
Is defibrillation safe on a wet surface?
Yes. May need to dry patient to ensure good pad connection. Follow standard procedure
Is defibrillation safe on a metal surface?
Yes. Follow Standard Procedure
What is the preferred vascular route and site in CPR?
IV - Peripheral (Central access = interruption)
If two failed attempts gain IO access
What is the correct procedure for CPR drugs admin?
Drugs injected peripherally must be followed by a flush of at least 20mL fluid and elevation of the extremity for 10-20secs
What are the indications for Amiodarone?
Shockable rhythms: If unresponsive after three shock attempts admin 300 mg amiodarone with bolus
150mg after 5th shock
What are the 8 Reversible causes of Cardiac Arrest?
Hypoxia
Hypovolaemia
Hypo/Hyperkalaemia
Hypothermia
Thrombosis (coronary/pulmonary)
Tension Pneumothorax
Tamponade-Cardiac
Toxins
How often should Adrenaline be given?
Every 3-5 mins irrespective of rhythm
Is the stepwise airway ladder a one way system?
No. If a technique is failing then it is sometimes appropriate to move to a less advanced technique.
What is the risk with BMV as opposed to SGA?
In BM ventilation gastric inflation can occur impairing ventilation and triggering regurgitation.
Treatment for RV Hypoxia?
Ventilate with high flow Oxygen - 100%
-Anticipate cylinder running out
Treatment for RV Hypovolaemia?
If suspected rapid IV fluid up to 2 litres saline.
Plug any haemorrhage.
Early transfer
Can be due to blood loss, sepsis, dehydration.
Treatment for RV Hypo/Hyperkalaemia?
Time critical transfer with bm monitoring.
Can be indicated by medical history of dialysis, DKA, eating disorder, frail elderly
Treatment for RV Hypothermia?
Hypothermia can result in patients appearing clinically dead yet the threshold for full resuscitation should remain low as recovery is possible.
- Palpate major artery
- ECG
- Look for pulse, chest rise, breathing efforts,movements, eye opening, shockable rhythm for 1 minute before concluding no cardiac output
- Prevent further heat loss, remove wet garments, blankets, head coverings
- If body temp between 30-35 double drug interval times
- If body temp <30 no drugs
