High quality CPR: BLS cardiac arrest care
Providing accurate ventilations and oxygenation in concert with effective chest compressions and timely defibrillation contributes to saving lives in the BLS setting
In EMS, it is common practice to learn and perform basic life support interventions before advanced life support, and an intro to basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation is taught in emergency medical responder and emergency medical technician entry levels certifications.
Michael W. Dailey, MD, FACEP, FAEMS, Division of Prehospital and Operational Medicine Chief, Professor of Emergency Medicine, Albany Medical Center, explained how patients in sudden cardiac arrest are treated at a session presented at the EMS World Expo.
Dr. Dailey emphasized the importance of the changes in cardiac arrest care that has occurred in throughout the years. “EMTs save lives,” Dailey noted. “Never let anyone say you are ‘just an EMT!’”