Cardiopulmonary Rescucitation in Different Patient Positions

Abstract

C ardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a series of lifesaving actions that improve the chance of survival following cardiac arrest. Basic life support (BLS) is the foundation for saving lives following cardiac arrest and the fundamental aspects of BLS include immediate recognition of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and activation of the emergency response system, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) starting with chest compression, and rapid defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED). Basic life support (BLS) refers to maintaining airway patency and supporting breathing and the circulation, without the use of any equipment. It comprises the following elements; initial assessment, airway maintainance, expired air ventilation (rescue breathing; mouth-to-mouth ventilation) and chest compression. When all are combined the term cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) includes the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the appropriate early treatment for cardiopulmonary arrest. Additional important areas include the proper management of situations likely to lead to cardiac arrest and stabilization of the patient in the early period following successful resuscitation. ACLS includes: basic life support; the use of advanced equipment and special techniques for establishing and maintaining effective ventilation and circulation; ECG monitoring, 12-lead ECG interpretation, and arrhythmia recognition; establishment and maintenance of intravenous access; therapies for the treatment of patients with cardiac or respiratory arrest (including stabilization in the post arrest phase); treatment of patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes, including acute MI; and strategies for rapid assessment and treatment of stroke patients, ACLS includes the knowledge, training, and judgment required to use these skills and the ability to perform them.