HEART ATTACKS CARDIAC ARREST CARDIAC CHAIN OF SURVIVAL CPR AED Cardiac Emergencies

Recognizing and Caring for a Heart Attack Heart Attack/ Cardiac Chain Video 4:00 Scenario: A patron is waking on the pool deck and suddenly collapses. What four links in the cardiac chain of survival are necessary to improve this victim’s chance for survival?

Cardiac Chain 4 Links:  Early recognition and early access to medical services (EMS)  Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)  Early Defibrillation (AED)  Early Advanced Medical Care

Cardiac Chain Scenario: You’re on duty at a first aid station when an adult male comes to you for help. He is sweating profusely and is having trouble breathing. He is having trouble breathing and complains he has pain in his chest and arm that comes and goes. What condition does he appear to have? What care should you provide?

Cardiac Chain Condition: Heart Attack Care:  Take immediate action and call 911  Have the victim stop and rest comfortably  Loosen any tight or uncomfortable clothing  Closely monitor the victim until EMS arrives and takes over  Comfort the victim  Assist the victim with any medication or emergency oxygen  Be prepared to perform CPR and get an AED  Ask questions to get info related to the condition: What happened? Med conditions? Medications? Last oral intake?

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attacks Persistent chest discomfort, pain or pressure lasting longer than 3-5 minutes or that comes and goes. Chest discomfort, pain or pressure that spreads to the shoulders, neck, jaw or arms. Trouble breathing Nausea or vomiting Dizzy, light-headed, fainting Pale, ashen, gray or blue skin tones Sweating Denial of Symptoms

Cardiac Arrest Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition where the heart stops beating or the beat is too irregular or too weak to circulate blood effectively. Heart attack, electrocution, respiratory arrest, drowning or other incidents will cause cardiac arrest.

Cardiac Arrest Signs of Cardiac Arrest:  Sudden collapse  Unconsciousness  Absence of breathing  Absence of Pulse

Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest A heart attack occurs when the heart muscles experience a loss of oxygenated blood. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating or is too weak or irregular to circulate blood effectively. Arrest means the person is unconscious, not breathing and doesn’t have a pulse.

CPR CPR is a combination of rescue breaths and chest compressions. CPR circulated blood that contains oxygen to vital organs, such as the brain, and increases the chance of survival until EMS or an AED arrives. CPR must be performed on a firm flat surface. CPR increases the chances that a successful shock can be delivered to a victim of cardiac arrest, especially if more than four minutes have elapsed after the victim’s collapse.

CPR Children and Infant CPR is modified due to body size. Despite your best efforts, complications can occur.  Ribs may break or cartilage may separate.  The victim may vomit  The scene may be chaotic  The victim may not survive

CPR CPR – Adult and Child Video (5:00) CPR – Infant Video (5:00) Take note the ratio of breaths to compressions, where to place hands, where to position yourself, how hard/fast to perform compressions, etc.

CPR Once started, do not stop CPR until one of the following occur:  You notice obvious signs of life.  An AED is available and ready to use.  Another trained responder takes over.  EMS personnel take over.  You are too exhausted to continue.  The scene becomes unsafe. Practice CPR