Which actions are part of the three Cs approach when responding to an emergency
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a sudden and unexpected pulseless condition caused by a disturbance in the heart’s electrical activity. The electrical disturbance may be due to a heart attack, a severe imbalance of electrolytes, an inherited genetic mutation that predisposes the heart to electric abnormalities, an electric shock (e.g., from lightning), or blunt force trauma to the chest leading to commotio cordis. Symptoms include an almost instantaneous loss of consciousness and collapse. The treatment goal for SCA is to restore a healthy heart rhythm and good neurological outcome. (Graham R, 2015) Show SCA strikes approximately 326,200 (Mozaffarian D, 2015) to 395,000 (Graham R, 2015) individuals outside hospitals each year in the U.S., including an estimated 6,328 people less than 18 years of age (Mozaffarian D, 2015). On average, about one in 10 victims survives (Graham R: 6%; Mozaffarian D: 10.6%), though some high performing communities have achieved survival rates of more than 60% for specific types of cardiac arrest (Graham R, 2015). The majority of people who survive SCA invariably receive immediate help from bystanders at the scene. The time between the onset of arrest and the provision of care determines the likelihood of survival. If treatment is not provided within 10 minutes, the survival rate is close to zero. Because minutes count, the public plays a crucial role in saving lives threatened by SCA. (Graham R, 2015) The “Chain of Survival” refers to the chain of events that must occur in rapid succession to maximize the chances of survival from SCA. When the Chain of Survival metaphor was first created and described, it included early recognition, early access, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced life support (Newman M, 1989, 1990). The metaphor was a simple way to educate the public about its vital role in helping SCA victims, suggesting that each link is critical and interdependent, and the Chain of Survival is only as strong as its weakest link. The concept was later adopted by the American Heart Association (Cummins R, 1991) and other health organizations. Subsequently, the Chain of Survival was revisited to emphasize the importance of early recognition and response (Newman M, Bahr R, 1998). As post-resuscitation care options expanded to include mild therapeutic hypothermia and other treatments, another link, integrated post-cardiac arrest care, was added to the Chain (Hazinski M, 2010). Today, the links in the American Heart Association version of the Chain of Survival are:
Bystanders can help save lives by addressing the first three links in the Chain of Survival. Action steps for bystanders are described below. BYSTANDERS 1. Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system Action steps
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2. Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions Action steps
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3. Rapid defibrillation Action steps
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EMERGENCY RESPONDERS The two remaining links in the Chain of Survival refer to actions that should be taken by professional responders. They include advanced life support and integrated post-cardiac arrest care. 4. Effective advanced life support Advanced life support refers to high-quality CPR, early defibrillation, and use of devices and drugs. 5. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care Integrated post-cardiac arrest care refers to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary system of care including mild therapeutic hypothermia and other treatments. SUMMARY Cardiac arrest treatment is a community issue requiring a wide range of people to be prepared to act—including bystanders, family members, first responders, emergency medical personnel, and other healthcare providers. Bystander CPR and AED use can significantly improve outcomes from cardiac arrest (Graham, 2015). -Mary M. Newman, MS References Braslow A., Principal Investigator, U. S. Department of Transportation & Metropolitan Dade County Office of Trauma Services (1992). National Standard Curriculum for Bystander Care, Washington, DC: USCummins RO, Ornato JP, Thies WH, et al. Improving survival from sudden cardiac arrest: the “chain of survival” concept: A statement for health professionals from the Advanced Cardiac Life Support Subcommittee and Emergency Cardiac Care Committee, American Heart AssociationWhich actions are part of the three C's approach in responding to an emergency?The Three C's of Emergency. Check. Check means checking for anything unsafe. ... . Call. In emergency situations, it's important to call 911 immediately. ... . Care. After checking the scene and calling for help, provide care until medical professionals arrive on the scene.. What are the 3 C's when dealing with an emergency?The Three First aid C's: Check, Call, and Care | Adams Safety Training.
What are the 3 C's you need to remember when responding to a cardiac emergency?3 C's to Save a Life. Check for responsiveness - Shake the person and shout, “Are you OK?”. Call - Direct someone to call 9-1-1 or make the call yourself if the person is unresponsive and struggling to breathe (gasping or snoring). ... . Compress - Begin forceful chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute.. |