Advanced cardiovascular life support

Emergency Cardiac Care includes all responses necessary to deal with sudden and often life-threatening events affecting the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and pulmonary systems. It specifically includes

1. Recognition of early warning signs of heart attack, and stroke, efforts to prevent complications, reassurance of the victim, and prompt availability of monitoring equipment.

2. Provision of immediately BLS at the scene when needed

3. Provision of ACLS at the scene as quickly as possible to defibrillate, if necessary and stabilize the victim before transportation

4. Transfer of the stabilized victim to a hospital where definitive cardiac care can be provided.

Successful resuscitation following cardiac arrest requires an integrated set of coordinated actions represented by the links in the Chain of Survival

The links include the following:Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system

Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions

Rapid defibrillation

Effective advanced life support

integrated post– cardiac arrest care

Summary of Key BLS Components for Adults, Children and Infants

Systemic approach( BLS primary survey & ACLS secondary survey)

Effective resuscitation team dynamics

Understanding team roles helping in anticipate: • what actions will be performed next• how to communicate & work as a

member or leader of team

Role of team leader & members1.Team leader:–Organizes the group–Monitors team members performance–Backs up team members–Models excellent team behaviors–Trains & coaches–Facilitates understanding–Focuses on comprehensive

2. Team members: should be skilled & authorizedclear about role assignmentsPrepared to fulfill role responsibilities

Well practiced in resuscitation skills

Knowledgeable about the algorithms

Committed to success

Elements of effective resuscitation team dynamics

1. Closed loop communication2. Clear messages3. Clear roles & responsibilities4. Knowing one’s limitations5. Knowledge sharing6. Constructive intervention7. Reevaluation & summarizing8. Mutual respect

Respiratory arrest1. BLS primary survey:

First step: scene safety, check response, Activate EMS

ABCD assessment:

Assess & reassess the patient Ventilation & pulse check

2. ACLS secondary survey

Management of respiratory arrest

1. Giving supplementary oxygen2. Opening the airway3. Providing basic ventilation4. Using basic airway adjuncts5. Suctioning6. advanced airways

1. Giving supplementary oxygen

2. Opening the airway

3. Providing basic ventilation• Mouth to mouth ventilation• Mouth to nose ventilation• Mouth to barrier device • Bag mask ventilation

4. Using basic airway adjuncts

1. Oropharngeal Airway

2. Nasopharyngeal Airway

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

5. Suctioning a Patient’s Airway

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

6. advanced airways

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