help! :)

[sweetieann]

For a cardiac arrest when you are the only "rescuer" present....I know you call the emergency response system and obtain the aed, but my question is, do you give 2 breatsh then check pulse and if there is none then automatically attach AED to analyze? And THEN do the compressions for 5 cycles? Or do you initially do the 30:2 ration before attaching AED if you are the only person present?

Thanks!

[GingerSue]

from my CPR manual:

First Aid for Cardiac Arrest

If you are alone with an adult, then call EMS/911 yourself, then return to care for the person. If you are alone with a child, then do 5 cycles (two minutes) CPR first, then go call EMS/911 and return to care for the child.

The Care that you give is:

(1) open airway using the head-tilt/chin-tilt and check for normal breathing for 5 to 10 seconds

(2) if you do not hear normal breathing, give two rescue breaths

(3) if both breaths go in, then start CPR (do 30 compressions)

(4) continue CPR until AED arrives (or more advanced care takes over, or the scene becomes unsafe, or you become physically unable to continue)

When the AED arrives:

(1) open and turn on the AED

(2) remove objects of clothing from the person that may come in contact with the pads

(3) ensure chest is dry and free of hair so the pads can stick

(4) use appropriate pads to place them on the person

(5) follow the automated prompts of the AED

(6) when the AED prompts you to give a shock, then stand clar and say "I'm clear, you're clear, everybody's clear"

AED protocols can differ between jurisdictions, so ensure that you follow local protocol or the medical director's direction, whichever is applicable in your area.

(and of course there are more details in the manual)

[CuttingEdgeRN]

Click this link and read the purple square on page 12.

http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1132621842912Winter2005.pdf

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hi.

what the above posters said, but please also note the new guidelines state that it is now preferred that the patient get at least one minute- minute and a half of good CPR before analysing the rhythm with an AED. If the person is in a shockable rhythm (v-tach or v-fib) this has been found to increaase the chances that initial shocks will convert the patient to a rhythm capable of substaning life.

Sweetooth