CPR

Question 1

What is the difference between MI and cardiac arrest

Answer 1

MI = coronary artery blockage, which can lead to cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest = Abnormal heart rhythm causing the heartbeat to cease with abnormal/no breathing

Question 2

What are the key principles of basic life support (5)

Answer 2

1. Concentrate on chest compressions
2. Initiate CPR ASAP
3. Use defibrillator where available
4. Simplify BLS to allow lay persons/bystanders to resuscitate
5. Key interventions of CPR and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be delivered by untrained members of the public

Question 3

What is the chain of survival (4)

Answer 3

1. Early recognition and call for help - prevent cardiac arrest
2. Early CPR - to buy time
3. Early defibrillation - to restart the heart
4. Post resusitation care - to restore quality of life

Question 4

What are causes of cardio-respiratory arrests (6)

Answer 4

1. In adults this is most commonly a cardiac cause (i.e. MI or arrythmia)
2. Respiratory obstruction
3. Electrocution
4. Drowning
5. Hypovolaemia
6. Poisoning

Question 5

What are the first steps of attending to a casualty in public (4)

Answer 5

1. Shout for help
2. Approach with caution
3. Free from danger
4. Evaluate responsiveness

Question 6

What are the steps of CPR (8)

Answer 6

1. Shout for help
2. Approach with care
3. Assess for danger
4. Shout out to them and tap shoulder
5. Head tilt chin lift
6. Assess breathing for 10 seconds
7. Call 999
8. CPR - 30 compressions 4-5cm, 100/min, 2 breaths

Question 7

What are the reasons to stop CPR (4)

Answer 7

1. To allow a shock to be delivered
2. The paramedic arrives and takes over
3. The person shows signs of life
4. Alone, and too exhausted to continue