Topic Tag: BLS

Send for Help

Once you have determined the need for medical assistance dial 000. If the incident occurs at work you may also have the option to activate any emergency button or siren at the time of the incident. It is important not to delay the arrival of professional medical assistance by starting CPR prior to making an …

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Breathing

Once you have cleared and opened the airway, place your hand on thediaphragm and your ear in front of the casualties mouth to “Look, Listenand Feel” for signs of breathing. Breathing can be identified by the following techniques: Feeling for breathing by placing your hand on the casualty’s diaphragm. Placing your ear next to the …

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Airway

The next step is to ensure that air (more importantly Oxygen) is reaching the casualties lungs. To do this we follow two separate steps in succession: 1    Clear the Airway   2    Open the Airway Clearing the airway Open the airway and visually check inside the casualties mouth for any foreign bodies or excess fluid. …

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Response

The response step is essentially determining the level of consciousness of the casualty. If the casualty were conscious you would stop progressing at this point and discuss the situation with the casualty, prior to then sending for help if needed. An unconscious casualty is at most risk of breathing difficulties as they are unable to …

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Danger

For the safety of yourself, others and the casualty, checking for danger must always be the first step in providing any form of response. Rushing in to an incident without a regard to safety can add to the number of casualties. Potential  dangers surround us all the time. Regardless of where the incident occurs, there …

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Primary Survey

The primary survey is a mnemonic that steps out the procedures that should be followed in a medical emergency. It is a great way to remember the steps to follow in a medical emergency and can provide structure to the response when things are chaotic and the pressure is on. The Primary Survey is listed …

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Chain of Survival

The internationally accepted response to a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the Chain of Survival. The chain of survival is depicted below. Developed by the American Heart Association in 1990, the Chain of Survival has become the standard of care required for a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. First Responders are encouraged to follow this …

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The Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system is the body’s transport system. It is made up of a group of organs that transport blood throughout the body. The heart is the organ that pumps the blood trough a series of ‘pipes’ called Veins and Arteries. Oxygen-rich blood leaves the left side of the heart and enters the biggest artery, …

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The Respiratory System

The human body consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide. Whilst some carbon dioxide is necessary, most carbon dioxide is expelled as waste. The respiratory system is designed to exchange carbon dioxide accumulated in the blood for oxygen in the airways, which enters the lungs as air from the atmosphere.  This air is breathed into the …

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Records and Reporting

Where possible, the following information should be obtained and provided to Emergency Services Personnel during the handover: Date, time and location of the incident. Name, DOB and Address. Next of Kin’s name and contact number. What occurred (brief description of situation leading to incident). Medical assistance provided. Other known health issues (e.g. diabetes or heart …

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