Advanced Life Support (ALS) Level 3 (VTQ)

117 videos, 6 hours and 42 minutes

Course Content

Advanced CPR Overview

Video 59 of 117
6 min 27 sec
English
English
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course or enter your email below to watch one free video.

Unlock This Video Now for FREE

This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Essentials

Understanding CPR and Its Purpose

Efforts to Maintain Cerebral Perfusion

  • Cardiac Arrest: Occurs when the heart ceases to beat; it is essential to recognize and act quickly.
  • Objective: Replicate heart function to ensure oxygen flow to the brain.
  • CPR Technique: Involves chest compressions to pump blood through the circulatory system.

Recognizing Cardiac Arrest

Identifying Unresponsiveness and Abnormal Breathing

  • Signs of Cardiac Arrest: May include seizure-like movements, incomprehensible sounds, and initial eye opening.
  • Breathing Patterns: Breathing may continue but become irregular and agonal gasps, often mistaken for normal breathing.
  • Confirmation: Verify unresponsiveness and absence of normal breathing through stimulation and assessment.

Starting Chest Compressions

Effective Chest Compression Technique

  • Positioning: Ensure proper alignment for efficient chest compressions.
  • Technique: Use interlocked fingers to compress the lower half of the sternum at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
  • Efficiency: Maintain an ideal position to prevent fatigue and ensure effective compression depth.

Compressions and Ventilations

Proper Sequence and Considerations

  • CPR Sequence: Begin with 30 compressions followed by two ventilations if necessary.
  • Ventilations: Not always essential for adult cardiac arrest; focus on compressions that circulate available oxygen.
  • Effort Continuation: Despite fatigue, maintain uninterrupted chest compressions to sustain perfusion pressure.

Calling for Help

Seeking Assistance During CPR

  • Lonely Rescuer: If alone, call for help and continue CPR until additional assistance arrives.
  • Hospital Setting: Activate the crash team and continue 30 compressions to two ventilations.