THE CPR GALS
THE CPR GALS
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THE HEART
THE HEART
Lots of acronyms - too many at times.
So what do they mean?
AED - Automated External Defibrillator
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_external_defibrillator
An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening
cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia,
and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electricity
which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
ICD - Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implantable_cardioverter-defibrillator
An ICD is a device implantable inside the body, able to perform cardioversion, defibrillation,
and (in modern versions) pacing of the heart.
The device is therefore capable of correcting most life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
The ICD is the first-line treatment and prophylactic therapy for patients at risk
for sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
Pacemaker -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_cardiac_pacemaker
The primary purpose of a pacemaker is to maintain an adequate heart rate,
either because the heart's natural pacemaker is not fast enough, or because
there is a block in the heart's electrical conductive system.
ICDs and Pacemakers are both surgically implanted, usually on the left side and under the collar bone.
They may also be found on the upper arm or on the left side of the body between the armpit and the waistline.
ICDs and AED give an electrical shock, when needed.
Pacemakers continually generates electrical impulses to regulate the heart,
but do not "shock" the patient.
Some combine a pacemaker and defibrillator in a single implantable device.
Others have multiple electrodes stimulating differing positions within the heart to improve synchronization
of the lower chambers, or ventricles, of the heart.
ICDs and Pacemakers are about the size of your palm.
AED pads are about the size of your hand.
Your heart is about the size of your fist.
MI - Myocardial Infarction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myocardial_infarction
This is commonly known as a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow decreases or stops
to a part of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle.
SCA - Sudden Cardiac Arrest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiac_arrest
Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of the heart to effectively pump.
A Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest are not the same.
A Heart Attack is a circulatory, or plumbing, issue.
Cardiac Arrest is an electrical issue.
Not everyone having a heart attack will go into cardiac arrest.
CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiopulmonary_resuscitation
CPR is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation
in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken
to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest.
CPR alone is unlikely to restart the heart.
Its main purpose is to restore partial flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart.
The objective is to delay tissue death and to extend the brief window of opportunity
for a successful resuscitation without permanent brain damage.
Administration of an electric shock to the subject's heart, termed defibrillation,
is usually needed in order to restore a viable or "perfusing" heart rhythm.
Defibrillation is effective only for certain heart rhythms, namely ventricular fibrillation
or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, rather than asystole or pulseless electrical activity.
Early shock, when appropriate, is recommended.
CPR may succeed in inducing a heart rhythm that may be shockable.
In general, CPR is continued until the person has ROSC - a Return Of Spontaneous Circulation
or is declared dead.
THE CPR GALS has found the following videos which give a good description
on how the heart works.
In a CPR and First Aid Class, you will learn more about the signs and symptoms,
how aspirin helps a true heart attack victim, how to give proper CPR as well as
how using an AED help raise the chance of someone surviving.
Heath Beat: Heart Attack Vs. Cardiac Arrest (about 2 minutes long)
CPR in Action | A 3D look inside the body (about 3 minutes long)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUaxt8OlT3o
How the Heart Works - 3d (about 1 1/2 minutes long)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlnq-Pyyi_M&feature=player_embedded_uturn