Basic Life Support

BLS

Basic Life Support, involving recognition of breathing difficulties or cardiac arrest and emergency treatment.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a lifesaving technique combining rescue breathing and chest compressions.

AED

Automated External Defibrillator, a portable device used to identify and treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

Emergency Action Plan

A plan that outlines steps to be taken in an emergency situation at events and athletic sites.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment used to minimize exposure to hazards like blood or bodily fluids.

Cardiac Arrest

The absence of a heartbeat.

Clinical Death

Condition when both respirations and pulse cease.

Perfusion

The passage of fluid (blood) through the circulatory system or lymphatic system.

Chain of Survival

A series of critical steps that improve the chances of survival from cardiac arrest.

High Quality CPR

Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation involving proper technique and timing.

T-CPR

Telecommunicator CPR, where emergency operators provide CPR instructions over the phone.

Advanced Resuscitation Interventions

Procedures such as obtaining vascular access, administering medication, and placing advanced airways.

Post Cardiac Arrest Care

Critical care support provided to cardiac arrest victims after immediate response.

Oropharyngeal Airway

A device used to maintain or open the airway by preventing the tongue from blocking the throat.

Nasopharyngeal Airway

A tubular device inserted into the nasal passage to secure an open airway.

Ventilations

Process of providing breaths to a patient who is not breathing.

Circulation

The movement of blood throughout the body, ensuring adequate blood flow.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Operation

The steps to operate an AED, starting from turning it on to delivering a shock.

Shockable Rhythms

Cardiac rhythms that can be treated with defibrillation, such as Ventricular Fibrillation and Ventricular Tachycardia.

Asystole

A state where the heart has stopped generating electrical impulses, often referred to as flatlining.

Foreign Body Airway Obstruction

A condition where an object blocks the air passage, leading to choking.

Obstructed Airway Maneuver

A technique to remove an object blocking a person's airway.

Hands-Only CPR

Performing chest compressions without rescue breaths for untrained responders.

Signs of Cardiac Arrest

Indicators such as no pulse, no breathing, or unresponsiveness.

Suctioning Techniques

Methods used to clear an airway by removing fluids or obstructions.

Recovery Post-Arrest

The process addressing the physical and psychological needs after survival from cardiac arrest.

Preventative Measures

Steps taken to enhance individual and community health, reducing the chances of cardiac events.

Emergency Telecommunications

Communication systems that assist in coordinating emergency responses.

Bystander CPR

CPR delivered by a person who is not part of the emergency response team.

Environmental Hazards

Potential dangers in the area that can harm rescuers or victims during emergency response.

Chest Compressions Depth

The recommended depth for chest compressions during CPR, which is between 1.5 to 2 inches.

Rigor Mortis

The stiffening of muscles after death, occurring within 4-10 hours.

Line of Lividity

Discoloration of the skin appearing after death due to blood settling.

Successful Outcomes in CPR

The likelihood of survival improves significantly with early CPR and defibrillation.

Vascular Access

A medical procedure for accessing the bloodstream for medication administration.

Advanced Cardiac Monitoring

Methods used to continuously observe heart rhythm and function during resuscitation.

Immediate Care After Cardiac Arrest

The critical actions taken immediately following a cardiac arrest to improve survival.

Emergency Response System Activation

The process of quickly calling for medical assistance following a cardiac emergency.

Psychological Support Post-Arrest

Mental health resources provided to patients and families recovering from cardiac incidents.

BLS Skills

Essential skills for Basic Life Support including clearing airways and performing CPR.

Patient Positioning

The proper alignment of the patient’s body during CPR to ensure effective compressions.

Chain of Survival Links

Five essential components for improving survival rates from cardiac arrest.

Public Awareness Programs

Initiatives aimed at educating the community about recognizing and responding to cardiac emergencies.

Abdominal Thrusts

A technique used to dislodge an obstructed airway by using upward thrusts to the abdomen.

Back Blows for Infants

A method of clearing an airway obstruction in infants, using controlled strikes to the back.

Chest Thrusts for Obese Victims

An alternative method of assisting choking victims who are obese or pregnant.

Residual Oxygen Supply

Oxygen still available in cells that can sustain life for a limited time after the heart stops.

Coughing for Partial Obstruction

Encouraging a patient to cough as a response to partially obstructed airways.

Defibrillation

The process of delivering a shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

Critical Care Support

Medical assistance provided to stabilize patients after cardiac arrest.

Ventricular Fibrillation Appearance

The heart appears quivering like a 'bag of worms' in cases of disorganized electrical impulses.

Pediatric Ventilation Rates

Recommended rescue breathing rates for children, which are 12-20 breaths per minute.