Cardiac Emergency
Steps on how to treat a Cardiac Emergency
If your unsure if it a cardiac emergency follow from step 1, if you know that it's a cardiac emergency go to step 6
Note: For all the following procedures seek qualified help if available.
Clear the airway by tilting the head backwards and lifting the chin. Clear any visible foreign matter from the patient's upper airway. If vomiting and regurgitation occurs, it needs to be removed from the upper airway to prevent obstruction. To remove the foreign matter you need to roll the patient onto their side (lateral position) and clear the airway. If the patient is responding, and breathing normally, leave them in the lateral position (image shown below). If not roll the patient onto their back and continue resuscitaton.
Commence CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), do this by positioning yourself in a comfortable position in relation to the patient, kneel close to and alongside the chest of the patient so that you can apply vertical rhythmic compressions. This position will vary slightly depending on the patient and your own body type. Place your hands on the lower half of the patient's sternum. Perform 30 compression on the centre of the chest, compressing around one-third of the depth of the patient's chest, followed by two breaths. 30 compressions and 2 breaths is what we call a cycle. You are to perform 5 cycles in 2 minutes.
Note: If possible have a qualified person to operate the AED. If there's no one qualified around. Make the decision personally if you will complete the process.
Chain of survival
The key to a successful resuscitation is the principal of the 'chain of survival'. This comprises early access, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced life support.
Credits:
Created with images by apasciuto - "Ocean"