CPR & Caring for Cardiac Emergencies

Flashcards covering key definitions, signs, symptoms, care steps, and protocols for cardiac emergencies, CPR, AED use, and breathing emergencies, based on Dr. Brent Smith's lecture notes.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction - MI)

Occurs when the heart muscle experiences a loss of oxygenated blood.

Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Chest discomfort/pain (severe, lasting >3-5 min, returning, or persistent at rest), diaphoresis, persistent discomfort/pressure/pain in chest spreading to shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, stomach, or back, pale skin, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness (LOC), dizziness, nausea/vomiting.

Heart Attack Care Steps

Summon EMS, victim rests in comfortable position, loosen tight clothing, monitor victim, comfort victim, offer aspirin (if protocols permit), be prepared for CPR/AED, ask questions about condition.

Adult Cardiac Chain of Survival

Recognize emergency and call 9-1-1, Early CPR, Early Defibrillation, Advanced Life Support, Integrated Post-Cardiac Arrest Care.

Cardiac Arrest

Life-threatening situation where the heart stops beating, or beats too irregularly/weakly to circulate blood effectively. Signs include sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, no normal breathing, no pulse.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

Combination of chest compressions and ventilations that circulate oxygenated blood to the brain and vital organs when the heart and breathing have stopped.

Effective Chest Compressions

Performed on a firm, flat surface, compress straight-down to proper depth, full chest recoil, rate of 100-120 per minute, minimize interruptions.

Conditions to Stop CPR

Obvious sign of life, AED is ready to analyze, another trained responder or EMS takes over, rescuer is alone and exhausted, or scene becomes unsafe.

Two-Rescuer CPR

Used when two rescuers arrive simultaneously or one arrives during CPR. One rescuer gives ventilations, the other performs compressions. Rescuers switch positions every 2 minutes or when AED analyzes.

Two-Rescuer CPR Ratio (Child/Infant)

15 compressions to 2 ventilations (15:2), providing more frequent ventilations.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Portable electronic device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and provides an electrical shock (defibrillation) to help reestablish an effective rhythm.

Delay in CPR and Defibrillation

Each minute of delay reduces the victim's chances for survival by about 10 percent.

Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib)

Ventricles quiver without any organized rhythm, electrical impulses fire at random, causing chaos. Heart cannot pump blood effectively; no breathing or pulse.

Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach)

Abnormal electrical impulses originate in the ventricles and fire rapidly, preventing chambers from filling. Heart cannot pump effectively; no breathing or pulse.

Pediatric AED Pads

Appropriate for infants and children up to 8 years of age or weighing less than 55 pounds. If not available and protocols allow, adult pads may be used; for smaller chests, use anterior/posterior placement.

Respiratory Distress

Difficulty breathing.

Respiratory Arrest

Breathing stops.

Causes of Breathing Emergencies

Partially obstructed airway, illness, chronic conditions (asthma, emphysema), electrocution, heart attack, injury (head, chest, lungs, abdomen), allergic reactions, drugs, poisoning, emotional distress, anaphylactic shock.

Mechanical Airway Obstruction

Results from a foreign body (e.g., food, small objects) lodged in the airway.

Anatomical Airway Obstruction

Caused mostly by the tongue losing muscle tone and falling back, blocking the airway when a person becomes unconscious.

Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Distress and Arrest

Slow/rapid breathing, unusually deep/shallow breathing, shortness of breath, noisy breathing, dizziness/drowsiness/light-headedness, changes in LOC, increased heart rate, chest pain, flushed/pale/ashen/bluish skin, moist/cool skin, gasping, wheezing/gurgling/high-pitched noises, inability to speak full sentences, tingling in hands/feet/lips, apprehension/fear.

Care for Respiratory Distress and Arrest

Summon EMS, maintain open airway, assist victim to comfortable position, reassure/comfort, assist with prescribed medication, keep victim from getting chilled/overheated, administer emergency oxygen (if available).

Rescue Breathing

Given when a victim has a pulse but is not breathing. Adult: one ventilation every 5-6 seconds. Child/Infant: one ventilation every 3 seconds.

Unconscious Choking (CPR with Airway Obstruction)

Lower patient to flat, firm surface; send for AED/summon resources; immediately begin CPR with chest compressions. During ventilations, look for visible object and remove with finger sweep if seen, but do not perform blind finger sweeps.