ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support Handbook Latest Rated A+.

ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support Handbook Latest Rated A+. CHAPTER Refer to the Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Handbook, also Presented by the Save a Life Initiative, for a more comprehensive review of the BLS Survey. This handbook specifically covers ACLS algorithms and only briefly describes BLS. All ACLS providers are presumed capable of performing BLS correctly. While this handbook covers BLS basics, it is essential that ACLS providers be proficient in BLS first. 6 ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support Determining whether an individual is conscious or unconscious can be done very quickly. If you notice someone in distress, lying down in a public place, or possibly injured, call out to them. If the individual is unconscious, then start with the BLS Survey (Figure 20) and move on to the ACLS Survey (Figure 9). If they are conscious and responsive, obtain consent to provide care and continue assessment and questioning to determine next steps. THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT 2 CHAPTER • Make sure the scene is safe before approaching the individual and conducting the BLS or ACLS Survey. • When encountering an individual who is “down,” the first assessment to make is whether they are conscious or unconscious. 7 ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support The ILCOR has updated the Basic Life Support (BLS) course over the years as new research in cardiac care has become available. Cardiac arrest continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States. BLS guidelines have changed dramatically, and the elements of BLS continue to be some of the most important steps in initial treatment. General concepts of BLS include: • Quickly starting the Chain of Survival. • Delivering high-quality chest compressions for adults, children, and infants. • Knowing where to locate and understanding how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). • Providing rescue breathing when appropriate. • Understanding how to perform as a team. • Knowing how to treat choking. INITIATING THE CHAIN OF SURVIVAL Early initiation of BLS has been shown to increase the probability of survival for an individual dealing with cardiac arrest. To increase the odds of surviving a cardiac event, the rescuer should follow the steps in the Adult Chain of Survival (Figure 1). Adult Chain of Survival Figure 1 RECOVERY POST CARDIAC ARREST CARE ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT DEFIBRILLATE WITH AED PERFORM EARLY CPR ACTIVATION OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE BASIC LIFE SUPPORT 3 CHAPTER 8 ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support Emergencies in children and infants are not usually caused by the heart. Children and infants most often have breathing problems that trigger cardiac arrest. The first and most important step of the Pediatric Chain of Survival (Figure 2) is prevention. Pediatric Chain of Survival 2020 CPR GUIDELINE CHANGES Approximately every five years the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), updates the guidelines for CPR and ECC (Emergency Cardiac Care). The content contained herein is based on the most recent ILCOR publications on BLS. Recommendations for adult basic life support (BLS) from the 2020 Guidelines for CPR and ECC include the following: • The importance of early initiation of CPR by lay rescuers has been re-emphasized. The risk of harm to the patient is low if the patient is not in cardiac arrest. Bystanders should not be afraid to start CPR even if they are not sure whether the victim is breathing or in Cardiac Arrest.