THE CPR GALS
THE CPR GALS
1 833 KNOW CPR
Call Now and schedule your class!
First Aid TrainingDisaster Education
Disaster Education
ABCs versus CAB
ABCs versus CAB
Does it really make a difference?
In 2015, when CPR and first aid guidelines were last reviewed,
the ABCs were (in certain cases) modified in an effort to increase the speed
and effectiveness of CPR and related care.
Understanding the ABCs and CAB of CPR is key to understanding techniques
such as compression-only "CPR" and important priorities that make all
the difference when seconds count.
of the American Heart Association consists of rearranging
the ABCs to CAB for victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).is the leading cause of death in the United States. SCA claims more than
325,000 lives each year.
During a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, heart function ceases, abruptly and without warning.
When this occurs, the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body
which keeps the vital organs alive.
Death occurs in 95% of victims.
Children typically go down because of Respiratory issues.
- ABCDE for hypoxic victims (lack of Oxygen)
- CABDE for victims (who you witness) suddenly collapse (Cardiac Arrest)
B - Look, Listen and Feel for Breathing. If not found, give 2 breaths.
C - Check for Circulation (the Carotid pulse in the neck).
S - Check for Spinal Injury
S - Check for Severe Bleeding
A - Open the Airway and make sure it is clear.
B - Look Listen and Feel for Breathing. If not, give 2 breaths.
for victims that have oxygenated blood.
Think about it.
The patient was breathing until the moment of collapse.
The heart stopped due to an electrical problem, not a lack of oxygen.Giving compressions immediately starts the oxygen-rich blood moving
through the body, delivering oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.
Taking time to give breaths delays the care the victim really needs.
Since the patient has oxygen in his system, performing compression immediately
is a more critical care step.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showedno significant difference between the survival outcomes of patients
given compression-only "CPR" and standard CPR.
Compression-only "CPR" is easier to perform, especially for bystanders without protective breathing devices.This includes the majority of children, infants and cases of respiratory issues
which can then lead to cardiac arrest due to oxygen depletion.This begins as suffocation in water, but the heart usually keeps beating until
the oxygen in the blood is used up.
That is when cardiac arrest occurs.
This victim needs ventilations first and then compressions if the heart stops (standard ABC CPR).Giving compression first, or compressions only, to this victim may not be effective
due to lack of oxygen in the bloodstream.
When the heart's electrical system stops working properly, the heart cannot
send the oxygenated blood to the brain and other organs to keep them alive.
Some of the causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest include Electrocution,
Sudden Trauma to the heart or to the brain, a Drug Overdose or Chemical Poisoning
to name but a few.An AED stops the heart for a moment, hoping the heart starts again
in a regular sinus rhythm.
You can add a D to either the ABCs or CAB for a more comprehensive solution.
As soon as you see someone suddenly collapse, EMS should be called.
Does using the ABCs or CAB really matter?
Time and getting EMS on scene as soon as possible does save lives.
You now have a better understanding of the differences between the two
and the effects of both.
However, in a Medical Emergency, when you are in Adrenaline Rush Mode
and trying to remember all the training you have taken, you may forget.
The important thing to remember is to get the professionals there as soon as possible,
if the victim is not breathing, breath for him, and if the heart is not working, you need perform compressions.
Do your best until the professionals get there and take over.
By doing CPR (and using an AED if available), you can help Save a Life!
Contact us at info@theCPRgals.com to schedule a class.