FIRST AID – CPR & AEDS
FIRST AID
: CPR &
AEDS
KNOWING WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF SOMEONE SUFFERING A CARDIAC ARREST CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PERSON LIVING OR DYING . ALTHOUGH WE HOPE IT NEVER HAPPENS AT AN AIRSOFT EVENT , IT IS ALWAYS WORTH REMEMBERING “ PRIOR PREPARATION AND PLANNING PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE ” - AND MIGHT JUST SAVE SOMEONE ’ S LIFE , AS “ AIRSOFT MEDIC ”, PAUL YELLAND , EXPLAINS …
A
cardiac arrest can happen at any time , and during an airsoft event is no exception . I am going to explain the principles of the Primary Survey , how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ( CPR ) and talk about using Automated External Defibrillators ( AEDs ) in conjunction with a resuscitation attempt . I am also going to highlight some important changes that have been made to the resuscitation guidelines that need to be followed during the COVID-19 pandemic .
RESPONSE
On approaching the casualty , start to look at how they are presenting . What position are they in and are they moving ? What is their skin colour – normal , pale or blue ? Talk to them and introduce yourself . Are they alert and looking at you normally , or do they have
Speak , shout and shake to check response
THE PRIMARY SURVEY
By approaching every incident in the same methodical way will ensure that the rescuer remains safe and that any life-threatening conditions / injuries are dealt with before less serious ones . The Primary Survey is the initial assessment tool used for this purpose and it is abbreviated as DR ABC , which stands for : Danger Response Airway Breathing CPR
DANGER
Before rushing into any situation , it is important to make sure that it is safe to do so . Deal with any dangers that are present and if it is not possible to remove the danger away from the casualty , then as a last resort , the casualty must be moved away from the source of danger . Personal safety is paramount – especially during the global pandemic , and the rescuer should be wearing gloves and face mask as a minimum with safety eye wear if available . their eyes closed and only open them as you speak ? If their eyes remain closed as you talk to them , loudly give a command such as “ open your eyes for me ”. If there is no response from this , place your hands onto their shoulders and give them a gentle shake ( be careful if you suspect a spinal injury ). If there is no response , the casualty is classed as unresponsive .
A = ALERT V = VOICE - Eyes open and they respond when you talk to them P = PAIN - Place hands firmly onto the shoulders and gently shake U = UNRESPONSIVE
76 MARCH 2021