PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

HLTAID001 - PROVIDE CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION Airway obstruction due to body position How can the airway become obstructed due to body position? Positional asphyxia has been defined as asphyxia (stoppage of respiration) caused by an unusual position of the body which interferes with the breathing and thus with pulmonary ventilation. Effective respiration requires three critical elements, i.e. an open airway, adequate ventilations and a functional respiratory muscular pump. Appropriate duration and cessation f CPR Once an Emergency Responder has started CPR, for how long should they continue? Provide CPR for as long as possible. Normally it is recommended to continue CPR until the casualty responds or begins breathing normally, it is impossible to continue (e.g. exhaustion), a health care professional arrives and takes over, or a health care professional directs that CPR be stopped. Appropriate use of an AED What is the function of an AED? An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a sophisticated, battery-powered microprocessor-based device that incorporates a heart rhythm analysis and a shock-advisory system. AEDs are designed for lay rescuers like you. The AED connects to the patient via two chest pads. It analyses the patient’s heart rhythm automatically and detects when a shock is needed to restore a normal heart rhythm. The electrical shock causes a momentary disruption that can allow the normal heart rhythm to return. Early defibrillation is crucial in the Chain of Survival for any adult casualties who are not breathing normally. As an Emergency Responder you can aid a casualty by providing CPR to keep oxygenated blood flowing at a minimal level until you, a bystander or EMS personnel can defibrillate the casualty’s heart. During Skills Development you will learn how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) which allows you to provide defibrillation to an adult casualty quickly. Because time is critical, being able to use an AED before Emergency Medical Services arrive can significantly increase chances for survival. Chain of Survival What are the Chain of Survival’s four links and which three involve you, the Emergency Responder? The Chain of Survival illustrates the four links of emergency care. The first three links or actions within the Chain of Survival involve you, the Emergency Responder. The remaining link involves Emergency Medical Services personnel or other health care professionals.

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PADI RTO