Did You Know?
To learn more, enrol on one of our courses!
Who Can Use an AED?
In response to the many questions we receive from our students in respect of who is "allowed" to use an Automatic External Defibriliator. This may help clear up the confusion.
"Resus. Council Statement on the training required to use an automated external defibrillator.
The majority of people who survive a cardiac arrest are resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation (VF) by the administration of a defibrillatory shock. This is most likely to be successful when it is given very soon after the onset of VF; emergency service personnel are often unable to arrive soon enough to help a victim.
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to be used by members of the public, and are very effective at guiding the operator through the process of administering the shock. They have become widely available, are safe and easy to use, and will not allow a shock to be given to a victim who does not require one.
AEDs have been used frequently by laypeople with modest training, and many reports testify to the success of this strategy. Operators without formal training have also used AEDs successfully to save lives.
While it is desirable that operators of AEDs should be trained in their use, and keep their skills up to date, circumstances can dictate that no trained operator (or a trained operator whose certificate of training has expired) is present at the site of an emergency. Under these circumstances no inhibitions should be placed on any person willing to use an AED.
It is the view of the Resuscitation Council (UK) that the use of AEDs should NOT be restricted to trained personnel. Furthermore, the Resuscitation Council (UK) considers that it is inappropriate to display notices to the effect that only trained personnel should use the devices, or to restrict their use in other ways. Such restrictions are against the interests of victims of cardiac arrest, and discourage the greater use of AEDs by members of the public who may be able to preserve life and assist victims of cardiac arrest.
This statement confirms similar advice from the British Heart Foundation."
January 2009
http://www.resus.org.uk/pages/AEDtrnst.htm
"Resus. Council Statement on the training required to use an automated external defibrillator.
The majority of people who survive a cardiac arrest are resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation (VF) by the administration of a defibrillatory shock. This is most likely to be successful when it is given very soon after the onset of VF; emergency service personnel are often unable to arrive soon enough to help a victim.
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to be used by members of the public, and are very effective at guiding the operator through the process of administering the shock. They have become widely available, are safe and easy to use, and will not allow a shock to be given to a victim who does not require one.
AEDs have been used frequently by laypeople with modest training, and many reports testify to the success of this strategy. Operators without formal training have also used AEDs successfully to save lives.
While it is desirable that operators of AEDs should be trained in their use, and keep their skills up to date, circumstances can dictate that no trained operator (or a trained operator whose certificate of training has expired) is present at the site of an emergency. Under these circumstances no inhibitions should be placed on any person willing to use an AED.
It is the view of the Resuscitation Council (UK) that the use of AEDs should NOT be restricted to trained personnel. Furthermore, the Resuscitation Council (UK) considers that it is inappropriate to display notices to the effect that only trained personnel should use the devices, or to restrict their use in other ways. Such restrictions are against the interests of victims of cardiac arrest, and discourage the greater use of AEDs by members of the public who may be able to preserve life and assist victims of cardiac arrest.
This statement confirms similar advice from the British Heart Foundation."
January 2009
http://www.resus.org.uk/pages/AEDtrnst.htm
How To Survive a Heart Attack alone!
Recently I have been asked if "Cough CPR" can be implemented by an individual who is on their own and suspects they are suffering from a Heart Attack. This is a statement from the Resus. Council.
Statement on "Cough CPR"
Updated December 2005
(originally published April 2002)
"The BLS/AED Subcommittee has received a number of enquiries from people who have been informed about "cough CPR" and "How to survive a heart attack when alone". Advice has been put on the Internet that someone who thinks he or she is suffering a heart attack should repeatedly cough and go at once to a hospital, by car if necessary.
This advice is based (very loosely) on published case reports of people being able to maintain some sort of cardiac output during cardiac arrest by vigorous coughing - so-called "cough CPR". The scenario has usually been of a patient developing ventricular fibrillation whilst being monitored, often whilst undergoing cardiac catheterisation. The patient has been encouraged to cough and a measurable circulation has been recorded. This anecdotal evidence supports the theory that chest compressions during CPR are successful because they increase intrathoracic pressure and result in a flow of blood. The collapsed veins and patent arteries at the thoracic inlet result in this flow being in a forward direction. Coughing produces the same effect.
The BLS/AED Subcommittee knows of no evidence that, even if a lone patient knew that cardiac arrest had occurred, he or she would be able to maintain sufficient circulation to allow activity, let alone driving to the hospital.
December 2005"
http://www.resus.org.uk/pages/coughCPR.htm
Statement on "Cough CPR"
Updated December 2005
(originally published April 2002)
"The BLS/AED Subcommittee has received a number of enquiries from people who have been informed about "cough CPR" and "How to survive a heart attack when alone". Advice has been put on the Internet that someone who thinks he or she is suffering a heart attack should repeatedly cough and go at once to a hospital, by car if necessary.
This advice is based (very loosely) on published case reports of people being able to maintain some sort of cardiac output during cardiac arrest by vigorous coughing - so-called "cough CPR". The scenario has usually been of a patient developing ventricular fibrillation whilst being monitored, often whilst undergoing cardiac catheterisation. The patient has been encouraged to cough and a measurable circulation has been recorded. This anecdotal evidence supports the theory that chest compressions during CPR are successful because they increase intrathoracic pressure and result in a flow of blood. The collapsed veins and patent arteries at the thoracic inlet result in this flow being in a forward direction. Coughing produces the same effect.
The BLS/AED Subcommittee knows of no evidence that, even if a lone patient knew that cardiac arrest had occurred, he or she would be able to maintain sufficient circulation to allow activity, let alone driving to the hospital.
December 2005"
http://www.resus.org.uk/pages/coughCPR.htm
What Does This Sign Mean?
"The BLS/AED Subcommittee has been working for some time on producing a standard sign for use in the UK. The design follows the requirements of the European Union as far as colour, shape, and content are concerned. It has been accepted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The Resuscitation Council (UK) is now distributing this design widely to manufacturers and users of AEDs.It is our recommendation that this sign should be used as standard as we believe that its use will help to prevent delay in locating an AED in an emergency and, therefore, help to save lives."
Who can use an AED? Basically anyone! That includes you! View the Resus. Council UK statement here.
http://www.resus.org.uk/pages/AEDsign.htm
Spinal Injury
Spinal Injuries occur in 7% of mountain rescue casualties.
Delayed diagnosis has been associated with a 10-fold increase in permanent neurological damage.
Incorrect techniques do increase the disability suffered by the casualty and can even cause death.
A head injury with reduced level of consciousness (LOC) makes a neck injury likely.
In some studies, one third of those with a head injury, also have a neck injury.
Any casualty found unconscious or semi-unconscious, with a face or head injury,
complaining of pain on or near the spine or complaining of sensation changes in the limbs following injury,
is likely to have a spinal injury.
Remember! A casualty suffering potential spinal injury and not breathing due to a mismanaged airway will die!
Priorities are Priorities! ABC .......!
Delayed diagnosis has been associated with a 10-fold increase in permanent neurological damage.
Incorrect techniques do increase the disability suffered by the casualty and can even cause death.
A head injury with reduced level of consciousness (LOC) makes a neck injury likely.
In some studies, one third of those with a head injury, also have a neck injury.
Any casualty found unconscious or semi-unconscious, with a face or head injury,
complaining of pain on or near the spine or complaining of sensation changes in the limbs following injury,
is likely to have a spinal injury.
Remember! A casualty suffering potential spinal injury and not breathing due to a mismanaged airway will die!
Priorities are Priorities! ABC .......!
Stroke
Every year, an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke.
Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies.
Around 1000 people under 30 have a stroke each year.
A stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK.
More than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by stroke.
Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies.
Around 1000 people under 30 have a stroke each year.
A stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK.
More than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by stroke.
Asthma
More than 5.2 million people in the UK are being treated for asthma. 1.1 million of these are children.
Asthma affects approx. one in 12 adults and one in eight children in the UK.
There is a person with asthma in one in five households in the UK.
It can affect almost anyone, at any age, anywhere.
Asthma affects approx. one in 12 adults and one in eight children in the UK.
There is a person with asthma in one in five households in the UK.
It can affect almost anyone, at any age, anywhere.
Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is the least common of the two main types, accounts for between 5 – 15% of all sufferers.
Type 2 diabetes is In most cases linked with being overweight.
Type 2 appears in people over the age of 40, though in South Asian and African/Caribbean people after the age of 25.
More children are being diagnosed with the condition, some as young as seven.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common of the two main types and accounts for between 85 - 95% of all sufferers.
There are over 2.5 million people with diabetes in the UK.
More than half a million people with diabetes are unaware of their condition.
Type 2 diabetes is In most cases linked with being overweight.
Type 2 appears in people over the age of 40, though in South Asian and African/Caribbean people after the age of 25.
More children are being diagnosed with the condition, some as young as seven.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common of the two main types and accounts for between 85 - 95% of all sufferers.
There are over 2.5 million people with diabetes in the UK.
More than half a million people with diabetes are unaware of their condition.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common condition effecting approximately one in 200 people, causing recurrent seizures.
Seizures are caused by excess electrical activity in the brain, which disrupts the normal communication between brain cells. The brain is the control centre for the whole body, and so what a person experiences during a seizure will depend upon the area of the brain that is affected.
Most people will have no recollection of what occurred during their seizure.
Occasionally (in approximately 30% of cases) the cause of epilepsy is known, in which case it is called 'symptomatic epilepsy'.
Common causes are:
Brain damage (resulting from a head injury or the brain being starved of oxygen), scarring of the brain tissue, a tumour, or chemical / hormonal imbalances. Some types of epilepsy are inherited,
Seizures are caused by excess electrical activity in the brain, which disrupts the normal communication between brain cells. The brain is the control centre for the whole body, and so what a person experiences during a seizure will depend upon the area of the brain that is affected.
Most people will have no recollection of what occurred during their seizure.
Occasionally (in approximately 30% of cases) the cause of epilepsy is known, in which case it is called 'symptomatic epilepsy'.
Common causes are:
Brain damage (resulting from a head injury or the brain being starved of oxygen), scarring of the brain tissue, a tumour, or chemical / hormonal imbalances. Some types of epilepsy are inherited,
Anaphalysix
Anaphylaxis is an extreme and severe allergic reaction. The whole body is affected,
often within minutes of exposure but sometimes after hours.
Common causes include foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy products and eggs.
Non-food causes include wasp or bee stings, natural latex (rubber), penicillin or any other drug or injection.
The prevalence of food allergy is at its highest in young children (about one in 17 children).
Around 80-90 per cent of children outgrow their sensitivity by the age of five.
Research suggests that around one in 70 children across the UK are allergic to peanuts.
May now be as high as one in 50 – a quarter of a million children.
UK population has the highest prevalence of allergy in Europe and ranks among the highest in the world.
The rise of allergic diseases over the last three decades cannot be reliably explained.
Any allergic reaction, including the most extreme form, anaphylactic shock, occurs because the body's immune system reacts inappropriately in response to the presence of a substance that it wrongly perceives as a threat.
Pre-loaded adrenaline injection kits are available on prescription. Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) acts quickly to constrict blood vessels, relax smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulate the heartbeat and help to stop swelling around the face and lips.
Administering adrenaline - EpiPen & Anapen demo.
often within minutes of exposure but sometimes after hours.
Common causes include foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy products and eggs.
Non-food causes include wasp or bee stings, natural latex (rubber), penicillin or any other drug or injection.
The prevalence of food allergy is at its highest in young children (about one in 17 children).
Around 80-90 per cent of children outgrow their sensitivity by the age of five.
Research suggests that around one in 70 children across the UK are allergic to peanuts.
May now be as high as one in 50 – a quarter of a million children.
UK population has the highest prevalence of allergy in Europe and ranks among the highest in the world.
The rise of allergic diseases over the last three decades cannot be reliably explained.
Any allergic reaction, including the most extreme form, anaphylactic shock, occurs because the body's immune system reacts inappropriately in response to the presence of a substance that it wrongly perceives as a threat.
Pre-loaded adrenaline injection kits are available on prescription. Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) acts quickly to constrict blood vessels, relax smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, stimulate the heartbeat and help to stop swelling around the face and lips.
Administering adrenaline - EpiPen & Anapen demo.
In case of Emergency!
ICE - a campaign encouraging people to store personal details on their mobile phones
to help identify victims of accidents and disasters.
Users are being urged to enter a number in their phone's memory under the heading ICE -
In Case of Emergency.
Paramedics or police would then be able to use it to contact a relative.
The idea is the brainchild of East Anglian Ambulance Service paramedic Bob Brotchie
and was launched in May 2005.
If Your phone locks independently, ensure your ICE number is added as "wallpaper"
and is therefore available to the emergency services at all times.
to help identify victims of accidents and disasters.
Users are being urged to enter a number in their phone's memory under the heading ICE -
In Case of Emergency.
Paramedics or police would then be able to use it to contact a relative.
The idea is the brainchild of East Anglian Ambulance Service paramedic Bob Brotchie
and was launched in May 2005.
If Your phone locks independently, ensure your ICE number is added as "wallpaper"
and is therefore available to the emergency services at all times.
Recommended Reading
I am often asked what reference books I recommend for continued study
and to advance first aid/casualty care knowledge.
Well, during the course I will show our students some of the books I actually use as references.
One of those books is the excellent Pocket First Aid and Wilderness Medicine (Mini Guides) (Paperback)
by Jim Duff (Author), Peter Gormly (Author).
A compact paper back that can be carried on any trip. Packed with no nonsense information and
at the outstanding price of £7.59!
I strongly recommend this book to any professional working in the outdoors and
may be purchased on line at Amazon.
and to advance first aid/casualty care knowledge.
Well, during the course I will show our students some of the books I actually use as references.
One of those books is the excellent Pocket First Aid and Wilderness Medicine (Mini Guides) (Paperback)
by Jim Duff (Author), Peter Gormly (Author).
A compact paper back that can be carried on any trip. Packed with no nonsense information and
at the outstanding price of £7.59!
I strongly recommend this book to any professional working in the outdoors and
may be purchased on line at Amazon.