Download - Cardiac Emergencies
ChapterChapter
Cardiac Cardiac EmergenciesEmergencies
FourteenFourteen
ChapterChapter
How to assess, recognize,
and manage cardiac emergencies How to assist patients in taking
their nitroglycerin How to attempt resuscitation of a
patient in cardiac arrest by
administering CPR and an AED
FourteenFourteenCORE CONCEPTSCORE CONCEPTS
HeartHeart
Right AtriumRight Atrium
Right VentricleRight Ventricle
Left AtriumLeft Atrium
Left VentricleLeft Ventricle
Receives blood from veins;Receives blood from veins;pumps to right ventriclepumps to right ventricle
Receives blood from lungs;Receives blood from lungs;pumps to left ventriclepumps to left ventricle
Pumps blood to the lungsPumps blood to the lungs Pumps blood through the Pumps blood through the aorta to the body aorta to the body
Four Chambers of the HeartFour Chambers of the Heart
Cardiac Conduction SystemCardiac Conduction System
Coronary ArteriesCoronary Arteries
Vessels of CirculationVessels of Circulation
Capillary bed
Vein Artery
Arterioles
Venules
Valve
CCARDIACARDIACCOMPROMISECOMPROMISE
Cardiac CompromiseCardiac Compromise
Any kind of problem with the heartAny kind of problem with the heart
KKEY TERMEY TERM
Suspect and treat if:Suspect and treat if:
Suspect and treat if:Suspect and treat if:
• Pain, pressure, or discomfortPain, pressure, or discomfortin chest or upper abdomenin chest or upper abdomen
• Difficulty breathingDifficulty breathing
• Sudden onset of sweating, nausea, Sudden onset of sweating, nausea,
(Continued)(Continued)
Cardiac CompromiseCardiac Compromise
and vomitingand vomiting• Anxiety and irritabilityAnxiety and irritability
• Rapid or slow pulse with noRapid or slow pulse with noapparent causeapparent cause
• Palpitation or fluttering sensationPalpitation or fluttering sensationin the chestin the chest
• Feeling of impending doomFeeling of impending doom
Suspect and treat if:Suspect and treat if:
Cardiac CompromiseCardiac Compromise
Causes of Cardiovascular Compromise Causes of Cardiovascular Compromise AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis
Coronary arteries
Partial blockageproducing chest pain
Area of decreasedblood supply
Causes of Cardiac Compromise Causes of Cardiac Compromise Angina PectorisAngina Pectoris
Area of Infarct
Causes of Cardiac Compromise Causes of Cardiac Compromise Acute Myocardial InfarctionAcute Myocardial Infarction
Causes of Cardiovascular Compromise Causes of Cardiovascular Compromise
AneurysmsAneurysms
Mild to severe confusion
Anxiety
Increased respiratory rate
Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Difficulty breathing while lying flat
Cyanosis
Distended neck veins
Pink sputum
Rapid heart rate Normal to high blood pressure
Abdominal distention
Edema of the lower extremities
Causes of Cardiac CompromiseCauses of Cardiac CompromiseCongestive Heart FailureCongestive Heart Failure
Perform initial assessment.Perform initial assessment.
Perform focused history and physicalPerform focused history and physicalexam; take baseline vital signs.exam; take baseline vital signs.
If patient meets nitroglycerin criteria,If patient meets nitroglycerin criteria,consult medical direction.consult medical direction.
Check the “rights” and Check the “rights” and the expiration date.the expiration date.
Place patient in position of comfort; givePlace patient in position of comfort; givehigh-concentration oxygen byhigh-concentration oxygen by
nonrebreather mask.nonrebreather mask.
Patient Patient CARECARE
Cardiac CompromiseCardiac Compromise
Emergency Care StepsEmergency Care Steps
No history of cardiac problems, No history of cardiac problems, OR OR History of cardiac problems butHistory of cardiac problems but no nitroglycerin, no nitroglycerin, OR OR Systolic blood pressure is < 100Systolic blood pressure is < 100
Transport promptly if:Transport promptly if:
Right patient?Right patient?
Right drug?Right drug?
Right dose?Right dose?
Right route?Right route?
Right time?Right time?
Right documentation?Right documentation?
The “Rights”The “Rights”
Remove oxygen mask and ask patientRemove oxygen mask and ask patientto open mouth and lift tongue.to open mouth and lift tongue.
Place tablet or spray medicationPlace tablet or spray medication under tongue.under tongue.
Have patient close mouth. Replace oxygenHave patient close mouth. Replace oxygen mask. Reassess patient; document findings.mask. Reassess patient; document findings.
Patient gets no relief ANDPatient gets no relief AND Systolic blood pressure remainsSystolic blood pressure remains Medical direction authorizesMedical direction authorizes another dose. Maximum three doses. another dose. Maximum three doses.
> 90–100 AND> 90–100 AND
Repeat Nitroglycerin afterRepeat Nitroglycerin after5 Minutes IF5 Minutes IF
Patient must have:Patient must have:•• Chest painChest pain•• No allergies to aspirinNo allergies to aspirin•• No history of asthmaNo history of asthma•• Not taking any other clotting Not taking any other clotting
medicationsmedications•• Ability to swallowAbility to swallow
Medical control authorizes administration.Medical control authorizes administration.
To Administer AspirinTo Administer Aspirin(if Local Protocols Allow)(if Local Protocols Allow)
CCARDIACARDIACCOMPROMISECOMPROMISE
AND BLSAND BLS
You need to be able to do CPR alone while You need to be able to do CPR alone while
your partner is preparing equipment your partner is preparing equipment
or you are transporting a patient in or you are transporting a patient in
cardiac arrest.cardiac arrest.
One-Rescuer CPROne-Rescuer CPR
You must also be able to:You must also be able to:• Use an AED.Use an AED.• Provide high quality compressions.Provide high quality compressions.• Request ALS backup when appropriate.Request ALS backup when appropriate.• Use bag-mask device and FROPVD.Use bag-mask device and FROPVD.• Lift and move patients.Lift and move patients. (Continued)(Continued)
Two-Rescuer CPR:Two-Rescuer CPR:Critical Skill for EMT-BCritical Skill for EMT-B
You must also be able to:You must also be able to:• Suction the airway.Suction the airway.• Use airway adjuncts.Use airway adjuncts.• Employ BSI precautions.Employ BSI precautions.• Interview family/bystanders.Interview family/bystanders.
Two-Rescuer CPR:Two-Rescuer CPR:Critical Skill for EMT-BCritical Skill for EMT-B
High Quality CompressionsHigh Quality Compressions
Research has shown that high quality CPR Research has shown that high quality CPR compressions can double, if not triple, compressions can double, if not triple, survival if applied promptly. Always press survival if applied promptly. Always press hard, fast (at least 100/minute) and allow hard, fast (at least 100/minute) and allow full chest recoil.full chest recoil.
KKEY TERMEY TERM
Many EMS systems have Many EMS systems have resuscitated patients with AEDs.resuscitated patients with AEDs.
The highest survival rates occur inThe highest survival rates occur insystems with strong links in thesystems with strong links in thechain of survival.chain of survival.
Automated ExternalAutomated ExternalDefibrillationDefibrillation
American Heart Association'sAmerican Heart Association'sChain of SurvivalChain of Survival
BiphasicBiphasic• Sends shock in both directions, Sends shock in both directions,
measures resistance, and adjusts measures resistance, and adjusts energy.energy.
• Causes less damage to heart muscle. Causes less damage to heart muscle.
MonophasicMonophasic• Sends shock (energy current) Sends shock (energy current)
from one pad to the otherfrom one pad to the other
Types of AEDsTypes of AEDs
AEDs are extremely accurateAEDs are extremely accurate
in distinguishing between shockablein distinguishing between shockable
and nonshockable rhythms.and nonshockable rhythms.
AED Analysis of AED Analysis of Cardiac RhythmCardiac Rhythm
Very rarely does AED computer Very rarely does AED computer make a mistake. make a mistake.
AED-related errors are almost AED-related errors are almost always human: always human:
• Not clearing patient Not clearing patient • Not stopping ambulance to analyze rhythmNot stopping ambulance to analyze rhythm
Inappropriate ShocksInappropriate Shocks
Ventricular fibrillationVentricular fibrillation• • 50% of cardiac arrest patients50% of cardiac arrest patients
Ventricular tachycardia over a Ventricular tachycardia over a certain ratecertain rate•• 10% of cardiac arrest 10% of cardiac arrest
patientspatients
AEDs will shock two rhythms:AEDs will shock two rhythms:
Shockable RythmsShockable Rythms
An AED is applied ONLY to a An AED is applied ONLY to a patient who is unresponsive and patient who is unresponsive and you believe is in cardiac arrest.you believe is in cardiac arrest.
Safety ConsiderationsSafety Considerations
(Continued)(Continued)
No one should do CPR or touchNo one should do CPR or touchthe patient when the AED isthe patient when the AED isanalyzing the rhythm oranalyzing the rhythm ordelivering a shock.delivering a shock.
Safety ConsiderationsSafety Considerations
You may stop CPR to allow AED You may stop CPR to allow AED analysis and a shock (if detected).analysis and a shock (if detected).
Resume CPR immediately after Resume CPR immediately after delivering a shock or after AED delivering a shock or after AED analysis if no shock detected.analysis if no shock detected.
Other than AED analysis, do not Other than AED analysis, do not interrupt for more than 10 seconds.interrupt for more than 10 seconds.
Interrupting CPRInterrupting CPR
Take BSI. Briefly question bystandersTake BSI. Briefly question bystandersabout pre-arrest events.about pre-arrest events.
Perform initial assessment. Verify patient Perform initial assessment. Verify patient is pulseless and not breathing. Check for is pulseless and not breathing. Check for no longer than 10 seconds.no longer than 10 seconds.
NoteNote
In a witnessed arrest, defibrillation should occur before CPR.
In an unwitnessed arrest, or prolonged downtime, 2 minutes of CPR should precede defibrillation attempts.
AED Indications:
• Adult patients (puberty or older) after 2 minutes of CPR.
• Children (1 year old to puberty) after 2 minutes of CPR and the availability of an AED designed for children.
• Do not use an AED on an infant (under 1 year of age)
NoteNote
Set up AED as partner starts (or resumes) CPR. Set up AED as partner starts (or resumes) CPR. Unless the arrest was witnessed, administer 2 Unless the arrest was witnessed, administer 2 minutes (5 cycles) of CPR.minutes (5 cycles) of CPR.
Turn on power and, if appropriate,Turn on power and, if appropriate,begin verbal report.begin verbal report.
Firmly attach one pad to right upper bare Firmly attach one pad to right upper bare chest. Firmly place one pad over lower left chest. Firmly place one pad over lower left bare ribs.bare ribs.
Proper Placement of AED PadsProper Placement of AED Pads
Say "Clear!" Ensure no one is touchingSay "Clear!" Ensure no one is touchingpatient. Press analyze button.patient. Press analyze button.
If AED advises shock, say "Clear," ensure no If AED advises shock, say "Clear," ensure no one touching patient, and press shock button. one touching patient, and press shock button.
After delivery of shock, immediately perform After delivery of shock, immediately perform CPR for 2 minutes (5 cycles), unless the CPR for 2 minutes (5 cycles), unless the patient wakes up.patient wakes up.
Check effectiveness of CPR by evaluating pulse.Check effectiveness of CPR by evaluating pulse.
Gather additional information on arrest events.Gather additional information on arrest events.
Insert an airway adjunct and ventilate with high-Insert an airway adjunct and ventilate with high-concentration oxygen.concentration oxygen.
After two minutes of CPR, have all individuals After two minutes of CPR, have all individuals stand clear and reanalyze with the AED.stand clear and reanalyze with the AED.
If no shock is advised, check carotid pulse, for If no shock is advised, check carotid pulse, for a maximum of 10 seconds. If present, assess a maximum of 10 seconds. If present, assess adequacy of breathing.adequacy of breathing.
If breathing is adequate, give high- concentration
oxygen by nonrebreather.
If inadequate, ventilate with high-concentration oxygen.
If the AED gives 3 consecutive no-shock messages with no carotid pulse . . .
. . . or a total of 3 shocks are delivered . . . then transport with CPR and oxygen.
If advanced life support is not available, transport when:
Patient regains pulse, OR
You have delivered 3 shocks, OR
AED has given 3 consecutive no-shock messages (separated by 2 minutes of CPR), OR
Your local protocols indicate an earlier transport.
While one EMT–B operates the AED, the partner performs CPR.
CPR must include high-quality compressions.
Defibrillation is the first priority in witnessed arrest or short downtimes.
General AED ProceduresGeneral AED Procedures
Do not touch patient when analyzing rhythm and delivering shocks.
Do not analyze rhythm or defibrillate in a moving ambulance. Stop first.
General AED ProceduresGeneral AED Procedures
Be familiar with your model of AED.
Check batteries at beginning of shift.
Follow manufacturer's charging recommendations.
Carry an extra battery.
General AED ProceduresGeneral AED Procedures
Coordination of EMTCoordination of EMT––B and ALSB and ALS
Call for ALS as soon as possible.
Local protocols determine if you should wait for ALS or begin transport to rendezvous with ALS.
AED in ProgressAED in Progress
If AED is in use by a first responder
when you arrive, ensure they are
performing properly, and continue with
shock analysis and 2 minutes of CPR
sequence.
Post-Resuscitation CarePost-Resuscitation Care
Maintain airway.
Transfer to ambulance.
Coordinate rendezvous with ALS if appropriate.
Post-Resuscitation CarePost-Resuscitation Care
Leave AED attached to patient. Patient has a high risk of returning
to cardiac arrest.
Perform focused assessment and ongoing assessment en route.
Post-Resuscitation CarePost-Resuscitation Care
If patient is unconscious, check pulse at least every 30 seconds.
If no pulse: Stop ambulance.
Analyze rhythm/deliver shocks per local protocol.
If AED not available, perform CPR.
Single Rescuer with AED
Initial assessment reveals:• Unresponsive
• Apnea
• No pulse
Immediately attach AED and initiate analysis if the arrest was witnessed.
Single Rescuer with AEDSingle Rescuer with AED
Activate EMS system and start CPR:
Immediately, if prolonged downtime, OR
AED gives no-shock message if arrest was witnessed
Pediatrics & AEDPediatrics & AED
Do not use on patients less than 1 year old.
Aggressive airway management and CPR are best methods.
AED may be beneficial if pediatric AED is available.
Additional Safety Considerations
Water
• Dry patient’s chest; remove from wet environment.
Metal
• Ensure no one in contact with the patient is touching any metal.
Additional SafetyAdditional SafetyConsiderationsConsiderations
Medication Patch If patch visible on chest, remove it
with gloved hands before
delivering shock.
Advantages of AEDs
Initial training and continuing education are simple.
AEDs are very fast.
Advantages of AEDsAdvantages of AEDs
Use of adhesive pads instead of paddles is safer, provides better electrode placement, and lowers EMT–B's anxiety.
AED Maintenance
AED failure typically results from
inadequate maintenance.
• For example, failing to charge batteries on a regular basis
Use daily checklist to maintain machine and supplies.
AED Quality Improvement
Medical direction
• Review calls• Assist in training and skills
Continuing education
Skill review every 3 months
Data collection
Mechanical CPR Devices
Mechanical CPR compressor devices can assist with high quality compressions during CPR.
Begin use early in the arrest.
Do not interrupt CPR for more than 10 seconds to apply.
1. What signs and symptoms should prompt 1. What signs and symptoms should prompt you to treat a patient for cardiac you to treat a patient for cardiac compromise?compromise?
2. What are the indications, contra-2. What are the indications, contra-indications, and dose for nitroglycerin?indications, and dose for nitroglycerin?
Review Questions
3. How many shocks should you give to a 3. How many shocks should you give to a patient with a shockable rhythm?patient with a shockable rhythm?
4. What should you do when you get a no-4. What should you do when you get a no-shock message?shock message?
Review Questions
5. Which patients in cardiac arrest should not 5. Which patients in cardiac arrest should not have an AED applied?have an AED applied?
6. When using an AED, what safety practices 6. When using an AED, what safety practices should you follow?should you follow?
7. How can you be sure that your AED will 7. How can you be sure that your AED will work when you need it?work when you need it?
Review Questions