Basic life support

Basic life support (BLS) algorithm —> give cardiopulmonary resucitation (CPR)... 

Ventricular fibrillation is by definition hemodynamically unstable, due to the absence of pulse and blood pressure. Initial management includes provision of basic life support, including calling for help and initiation of cardiopulmonary I resuscitation (CPR).48 Oxygen should be administered as soon... 

The likelihood of a successful resuscitation outcome is enhanced if each of four critical elements in the chain of survival is implemented promptly (1) early recognition of the emergency and activation of emergency medical services (2) early bystander basic life support and CPR (3) early delivery of a shock with a defibrillator and (4) early ACLS followed by resuscitation care delivered by healthcare professionals. 

In basic life support, the following actions are performed in this order ... 

Non-clinical as well as clinical staff involved in conducting studies in humans, should be trained in basic life support with regular updates, preferably every 6 months, and medical and... 

American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) of pediatric and neonatal patients Pediatric basic life support. Circulation. 2005 112(24 Suppl) IVl. 

Fig. 24.3 Advanced cardiac life support. (BLS basic life support) With permission, UK Resuscitation Council.The latest version can be found on www.resus.org.uk...

Basic life-support measures for respiratory and cardiovascular functions should be utilized. Dermal decontamination should be accomplished by repeated washing with soap. Exposed eyes should be irrigated with copious amounts of room-temperature water for at least 15 min. 

Monitoring complete blood count, urinalysis, and liver and kidney functions test is suggested for patients with significant exposure. Assisted ventilation (100% humidified supplemental oxygen) should be provided as required, arterial blood gases should be monitored, and institution of basic life-support systems as necessary. 

There is no specific antidote symptoms should be treated. For exposure to the eyes, the eyes should be flushed with plenty of water for at least 15 min. Due to the possibility of esophageal erosion, emesis is not recommended. Activated charcoal and a cathartic should be administered following ingestion of large amounts of glyphosate. Oral irrigation and dilution may be sufficient for smaller ingestions. In severe cases, basic life support, such as fluid replacement for hypovolemic shock, should be provided. 

Basic life-support measures should be instituted as necessary. Intensive support therapy may be required to correct respiratory failure and shock. Patients with mild to moderate toxicity may present with lethargy, miosis, decreased blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and skeletal muscle tone. In patients experiencing severe toxicity, coma, respiratory depression, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, apnea,... 

Basic life-support measures must be maintained. The patient should be moved to fresh air, and exposed eyes and skin should be irrigated with large amounts of water. Atropine is used to counteract muscarinic side effects. Pralidoxime is contraindicated. Charcoal may be used to absorb methomyl. 

No specific treatment is known. All cases of paraquat exposure should be managed as a potentially fatal exposure. Basic life-support measures should be instituted however, the administration of supplemental... 

Patients suffering from mild or moderate exposures may only require supportive care and observation (8,21). More severe exposures necessitate basic life support, including mechanical ventilation, 100% oxygen, circulatory support with crystalloid and vasopressor agents, sodium bicarbonate for correction of the metabolic acidosis and seizure control with benzodiazepines (7,21). 

Early bystander basic life support and CPR. Basic life support is based on the assessment and application of the ABCs airway, breathing, and circulation. 

Becker LB, Berg RA, Pepe PE, et al. A reappraisal of mouth-to-mouth ventilation during bystander initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation A statement for healthcare professionals from the ventilation working group of the basic life support and pediatric life support subcommittees, American Heart Association. Ann Emerg Med 1997 30 654-666. 

The basic concept of operations envisages that contaminated casualties who are rescued or self-evacuate from the heavily contaminated hot zone should be rapidly undressed, triaged (Fisher et al, 1999), given basic life support treatment and decontaminated in the warm zone before being passed to the cold zone for fuller assessment, treatment and, if necessary, subsequent transfer to hospital. 

---