Standards Procedure (Skill)
Clinical Indications: Levels: EMT-B, EMT- D,
EMT-I, EMT-P
Ø Basic life support for the patient experiencing cardiac arrest
Procedure:
a. Assess the patient’s level of responsiveness (shake and shout).
b. If no response open the patient airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift if spinal trauma is not indicated. If spinal injury is suspect open airway using the modified jaw thrust. Use the sniffing position if patient is an infant.
c. Look, listen and fell for air movement.
d. If no respiratory effort is present, give two-rescue breath using the appropriate sized BVM, allowing the chest to expand.
e. Check for a pulse for at least 10 seconds (carotid for older children and adults, brachial for infants.)
f. If no pulse, begin chest compressions based on the chart below:
|
Age |
Location |
Depth |
Rate |
|
Infant |
Over sternum, between nipples (inter-mammary line), 2-3 fingers |
½ to 1 inch (1/3 the anterior –posterior chest dimension) |
At least 100/minute |
|
Child |
Over sternum, just cephalad from the xyphoid process, heel of one hand |
1to1 ½ inches (1/3 the anterior-posterior chest dimension) |
80-100/minute |
|
Adult |
Over sternum, just cephalad from the xyphoid process, both hands with interlocked fingers |
1 ½ to 2 inches (1/3 the anterior-posterior chest dimension) |
80-100/minute |
g. Provide at least 10-12 rescue breaths per minute with the BVM.
h. Reassess for a pulse every 1-2 minutes.
i. Document the procedure, response and time on the ACR.
Certification Requirements:
Successfully complete an annual skill evaluation including the indications, contraindications, technique, and possible complications of the procedure.