Introduction to C ardio P ulmonary R esuscitation

Learning Objectives Recognise: The importance of CPR and Chain of Survival The Causes of Sudden Death The Symptoms and Risk Factors of Heart Attack Prudent Heart Living

Scope of Lesson Introduction Clinical and Biological Death The Chain of Survival The Heart Common Causes of Sudden Death How to Recognise a Heart Attack Risk Factors of Heart Attack Prudent Heart Living Conclusion

Introduction Cardio - Heart Pulmonary - Lung The need for Medical Intervention Approximately two thirds of sudden deaths that occur out of hospital are linked to coronary diseases. Most within 2 hours of the onset of cardiovascular symptoms. Heart Attack is the second most common cause of death in Singapore. Many of these deaths can be prevented by prompt BCLS and ACLS, including rapid access to the SCDF ambulance service, bystander CPR, and early defibrillation by the SCDF Paramedic.

Clinical and Biological Death When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart stops to pump and circulation of the blood and oxygen stops. This is known as CLINICAL DEATH. Unless the circulation is restarted quickly, organ death will begin to occur. The most sensitive organ is the brain and if circulation to the brain is not re- started within 4 – 6mins, irreversible and permanent brain damage will start to occur. This is commonly known as BIOLOGICAL DEATH.

The Chain of Survival 1. Early Access 2. Early CPR 3. Early Defibrillation 4. Early ACLS Any delay could be fatal and should be avoided at all cost! By missing a link in the chain of survival will decrease the chances of survival for the victim

The Heart The function of the heart is a pump. It pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs to get rid of carbon dioxide and pick up oxygen It pumps oxygenated blood from the lungs to all parts of the body

Common Causes of Sudden Death Drug Overdose Drowning Electrocution Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO) Heart Attack Suffocation Severe Trauma Smoke Inhalation Stroke Severe Allergic Reactions Many of these deaths can be prevented if the victims can get prompt help – if someone trained in CPR provides proper life saving measures until trained professionals take over.

Symptoms: Chest discomfort or pain is the most common symptom. It usually has the following characteristics: Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, tightness or pain usually located at the centre of the chest behind the breastbone and may spread to either the shoulder, neck, lower jaw, or either arm. It usually lasts longer than 30 minutes. How to Recognise a Heart Attack

Other Symptoms may include any or all of the following: Sweating Sweating Nausea (a feeling of wanting to vomit) Nausea (a feeling of wanting to vomit) Shortness of breath Shortness of breath Weakness Weakness Symptoms may occur suddenly and not be typical, so that some victims may not realise that they are having a heart attack. They may also think that the problem is due to indigestion. Symptoms may occur suddenly and not be typical, so that some victims may not realise that they are having a heart attack. They may also think that the problem is due to indigestion.

Risk Factors of Heart Attack Major risk factors that cannot be changed: Heredity Male gender Increasing Age Major risk factors that can be changed: Cigarette smoking High blood pressure High blood cholesterol Diabetes Lack of exercise Stress Obesity

Prudent/Healthy Heart Living Control high blood pressure : treatment generally includes dietary change and medication. Less oily foods, more fruits & vegetables. Control high blood pressure : treatment generally includes dietary change and medication. Less oily foods, more fruits & vegetables. No smoking No smoking Eat wisely : Dont overeat. Cut down on fats, cholesterol and sugar. Eat balanced meals with lots of fruit and vegetables. Fish, chicken (without skin), bean curd, dried peas, beans and lean meat – Low cholesterol. Drink low fat milk instead of full cream milk. Prawn, crab, oyster, cockle, squid, lobster, fat meat – high cholesterol. Eat wisely : Dont overeat. Cut down on fats, cholesterol and sugar. Eat balanced meals with lots of fruit and vegetables. Fish, chicken (without skin), bean curd, dried peas, beans and lean meat – Low cholesterol. Drink low fat milk instead of full cream milk. Prawn, crab, oyster, cockle, squid, lobster, fat meat – high cholesterol. Reduce weight if you are overweight : count calories in your food intake. Less rice, flour, sugar. Reduce weight if you are overweight : count calories in your food intake. Less rice, flour, sugar. Exercise regularly: exercise tones the muscles, stimulates blood circulation, helps avoid excess weight gain and promotes a general feeling of well being. Exercise regularly: exercise tones the muscles, stimulates blood circulation, helps avoid excess weight gain and promotes a general feeling of well being.

Conclusion List the 4 links in Chain of Survival List the 10 common causes of sudden death Difference between Clinical and Biological Death List the symptoms of heart attack List the risk factors of heart attack List the factors in prudent heart living Is CPR strictly for Heart Attack victims?