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Below are key concepts, which were introduced during the course and are important to know for the exam:
Emergency Action Principles
1. Survey the Scene
2. Perform a Primary Survey of the Victim
3. Call Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
4. Perform a Secondary Survey of the Victim
Brain Death/Damage Timeline
Timeline for brain death/permanent damage after the heart has stopped beating:
0 to 4 minutes after exhibiting symptoms - Chances of Brain Damage Minimal
4 to 6 minutes after exhibiting symptoms - Chances of Brain Damage Possible
6 to 10 minutes after exhibiting symptoms - Chances of Brain Damage Likely
Greater than 10 minutes after exhibiting symptoms - Chances of Brain Death Likely
The following condition warrants immediate CPR: 1) Victim is unconscious; 2) Victim is not breathing; 3) Victim has no pulse
Before CPR
- Ensure the victim and you are safe.
- If the victim is an adult, call 911 before CPR, if a child or an infant, initiate CPR and perform 5 reps, 30 compressions each, with 2 rescue breaths or 2 minutes of CPR, then call 911.
- Make certain you know where you are to help notify emergency services.
CPR
- C-Compressions, after checking for pulse via carotid artery or brachial artery for infant, perform 30 compressions, interrupted by two mouth to mouth breaths, one second each; repeat until emergency services arrive
- A-Airway, determine if the person is breathing and check for obstructions by opening airway;
- B-Breathing, perform two mouth to mouth breaths 1 second each;
- Recommended position for performing CPR is to have victim lying flat on his back.
- Recommended rate for effective compressions for adult/child is 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- When performing compressions, make sure the chest returns to its original position.
- When performing adult/child CPR the depth of the compressions should be at least 2 inches deep (but not greater than 2.4 inches)
- When performing infant CPR, the depth of the compressions should be 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest.
- For child CPR, depending on the size of the child, you can use one or two hands.
- For infant, use two fingers.
If not comfortable performing mouth to mouth, call 911, but at least administer external chest compressions until help arrives.
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