Chapter 1 Introduction

Ideal Sequence of Care Five events must occur during cardiac arrest: Recognition and action CPR Defibrillation Advanced care Post-arrest care © 2015, American Heart Association, Inc..

Before Helping, Take the Appropriate Actions Size up the scene. Assume you may help if the person is unresponsive. Call 9-1-1 for EMS. Prevent disease transmissions.

Scene Size-Up You should perform a scene size-up every time you respond to an emergency. As you approach the scene, ask yourself: Are dangerous hazards present? How many people are involved? What is wrong? What happened? Are bystanders available to help?

Scene Size-Up: Scenario You see your middle-aged neighbor shoveling snow off his driveway. When he is about halfway finished, he walks to the front steps of his house and sits down with a distressed look on his face. You walk over and ask if he is okay. He replies, “I think I pulled a muscle in my chest.” You see that he is breathing rapidly and appears pale and anxious.

Scene Size-Up: Agree or Disagree? Emergency scenes can be unsafe. Every time you approach an emergency scene, perform a scene size-up. Most emergency scenes involve multiple people. Move bystanders aside; they are not helpful. While approaching a person, you should have a first impression of whether the person is injured or ill. While approaching a person, you should have a good idea of whether the person is responsive or unresponsive.

How to Call 9-1-1 When calling 9-1-1, speak slowly and clearly. Be ready to give the following information: The person’s location The phone number you are calling from and your name A brief account of what happened Number of people needing help and any special conditions Description of a person’s condition and what is being done Listen to what the dispatcher tells you to do. Stay with the person needing help until EMS arrives.

Legal Aspects of Helping Legally you may not have to help another person, but most people believe it is a moral obligation. Good Samaritan laws provide protection against lawsuits. The following conditions must be met: You are acting with good intentions. You are providing care without expectation of compensation. You are acting within the scope of your training. You are not acting in a grossly negligent manner.

Negligence Negligent actions include: Giving substandard care Withholding care when you have a legal duty to act Causing injury or harm Exceeding your level of training Abandoning the person

Consent Types of consent include: Informed Implied Children © SpiritArtist/iStock.

Legal Aspects of First Aid: Agree or Disagree? People designated as first aid providers by their employers must give first aid while on the job. First aid providers can be sued. Good Samaritan laws provide protection against lawsuits for those acting with good intentions and without compensation.

Preventing Disease Transmission Body fluids can carry disease-producing germs. Take standard precautions to protect against disease. Put on PPE: Masks Face shields