Basic Life Support (ABC of Resuscitation)

Basic life support is the maintenance of an airway and the support of breathing and the circulation without using equipment other than a simple airway device or protective shield. A combination of expired air ventilation (rescue breathing) and chest compression is known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which forms the basis of modern basic life support. The term “cardiac arrest” implies a sudden interruption of cardiac output, which may be reversible with appropriate treatment. It does not include the cessation of heart activity as a terminal event in serious illness; in these circumstances the techniques of basic life support are usually inappropriate. Survival after cardiac arrest is most likely to be the outcome in the following circumstances: when the event is witnessed; when a bystander summons help from the emergency services and starts resuscitation; when the heart arrests in ventricular fibrillation; and when defibrillation and advanced life support are instituted at an early stage. Basic life support is one link in this chain of survival. It entails assessment followed by action—the ABC: A is for assessment and airway, B is for breathing, and C is for circulation. Assessment Rapidly assess any danger to the patient and yourself from hazards such as falling masonry, gas, electricity, fire, or traffic because there is no sense in having two patients. Establish whether the patient is responsive by gently shaking his or her shoulders and asking loudly “Are you all right?” Be careful not to aggravate any existing injury, particularly of the cervical spine. Airway Establishing and maintaining an airway is the single most useful manoeuvre that the rescuer can perform. Loosen tight clothing around the patient’s neck. Extend, but do not hyperextend, the neck, thus lifting the tongue off the posterior wall of the pharynx. This is best achieved by placing your hand on the patient’s upper forehead and exerting pressure to tilt the head. Remove any obvious obstruction from the mouth; leave well fitting dentures in place. Place two fingertips under the point of the chin to lift it forwards. This will often allow breathing to restart. Look, listen, and feel for breathing: look for chest movement, listen close to the mouth for breath sounds, and feel for air with your cheek. Look, listen, and feel for 10 seconds before deciding that breathing is absent. Recovery position If the patient is unconscious but is breathing, place him or her in the recovery position. If necessary, support the chin to maintain an airway. In this position the tongue will fall away from the pharyngeal wall and any vomit or secretion will dribble out of the corner of the mouth rather than obstruct the airway or, later on, cause aspiration. Download Full ABC Article Here

Andi, Selasa, 06 Desember 2011