“Who’s On First” EMS Team Resuscitation Jay Gardiner, MBA,EMT-CC Associate Professor of Emergency Medical Care Suffolk Community College Regional Faculty – American Heart Association

Presenter Disclosure Information Jay L. Gardiner Pre-Hospital Resuscitation for the 21 st Century FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No relevant financial relationship exists No Unlabeled/Unapproved Uses in Presentation

Teamwork - If it was only this easy!!

Or Is it More Like This?

Teamwork Since 2005 the AHA has stressed the importance of teamwork in ACLS and resuscitation. The benefits are obvious –Synergy between participants –Delineation of tasks and assignments, and coordination of responsibilities –Minimizes variability in treatment approach –Builds on individual core competencies

Fire Service Standard Operating Procedure

Mass Casualty Incidents

What do all these events have in common? NASCAR Races Fire Fighting Mass Casualty Incidents Resuscitations

Two Simple Goals: 1. Minimize Stress 2. Maximize Potential for Successful Outcome One Simple Strategy: Reduce the negative effects of Variables!

Austin County, TX EMS Model - courtesy of Paul Hinchey,MD

How do you design your model? Best Case or Worst Case Scenario? What is your average crew size? What additional manpower can be anticipated? Equipment availability Selection of destination hospital

Our Model for Today: o Understand –Why? o Adapt – How? o Integrate – When?

Critical Positions Compressors –Need at least two available –One to start immediately upon recognition of cardiac arrest! –Must switch every two minutes for effective CPR delivery (regardless of physical condition of rescuer!) –Can also deliver electrical therapy (AED, manual) –Cannot wildcat – must stay on task

Position# 1 – COMPRESSOR PATIENTS RIGHT SIDE Assess patient (all pulse checks) Initiate Compressions: 100/min, 2 inches o alternate with Position 2 every 2 minutes Assist when not compressing Airway and Ventilations Advanced airway preparation Start IV access and administer meds (3-person crew)

POSITION # 2 COMPRESSOR/ELECTRICAL PATIENTS LEFT SIDE Operates AED/ALS Monitor Alternates compressions with Position 1 Monitor ECG for rhythm changes Responsible for delivery of electrical therapy o Defibrillation o Cardioversion o Pacing

Critical Positions Airway – One person needed, ideally person with most airway experience – BVM first, if chest rise, then everything else can wait…remember ET may require hands-off time! – Extra-glottic airway may be preferred to ET during resuscitation phase due to ease of insertion and minimization of hands-off time. – Airway provider should not run the code. If the airway or chest rise is not adequate…..team leader makes the decisions.

POSITION # 3 – AIRWAY BEHIND PATIENTS HEAD Initial Assessment of Airway Patency Opening of Airway with adjuncts (OPA/NPA) Ventilation of Patient Advanced Airway Placement (EGD,ET) ITD and Capnography set-up Continuous Monitoring of ETCO2 to guide perfusion and airway position

Critical Positions IV Access – Medications – Provider should have experience in accessing multiple iv sites and I/O insertion – Should be familiar with resuscitation drugs, dosages, and how to draw them up – Should be able to stay one-step ahead – Can serve as recorder in between drug orders

POSITION #4 IV/IO MEDICATIONS PATIENTS RIGHT LEG Prepare access during first round of compressions Gain access after 1 st shock or confirmation of non-shockable rhythm IV (Right arm) or I/O (Right Tibia or Humerus) Prepare at least two rounds of drugs If possible, serve as recorder

Who Runs the Code?

Code Team Leader Ideally, position # 5 – watching, learning, and directing patient care. Alternatively, Positions 4,2,and 1 could handle (3 and 4 person teams) Not a nice to do, but a need to do. Should be knowledgeable in all aspects of resuscitation. Should have good working grasp of protocols/guidelines Good communicator, strong, but steady.

POSITION# 4 – CODE TEAM LEADER AT FOOT OF PATIENT ON RIGHT SIDE Assess and plan treatment of patient Use entire team for constructive feedback Strong and steady Monitor VS, ECG, ETCO2 and SPO2 Plan for transport and destination Serve as recorder

POSITION # 6 FLOAT AVOID LOCATIONS OF ACTIVE PROVIDERS FL Observe all positions, and be ready to assist as needed Act as recorder and/or supply person Do not assume any task unless directed by the Code Leader

Hey, What About Me?

What About The Ambulance?  Most resuscitations evolve through the transport  Consistency of design is talked about, but variability exists  Stretcher Placement  Monitor Placement  Drug-IV Supplies Access  Airway /Advanced Airway Tool Access

BCLS/ACLS The Foundation for all Providers Integration into “Mega –Code” and simulations.  Removes stress on original students  Promotes concentration on task at hand  Reinforces team concept

How can we get this done? 1.Learn it! 2.Practice it! 3.Teach it! 4.Believe in it

Thanks to: Ed Stapleton EMT-P Paul Hinchey, MD Mark Henry, MD My ACLS Students Moe, Larry, and Curly

Write me with your ideas, questions! We all want to make a difference!!!! Thank you for being here!!