Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

2 PREmergency Scene Management

to physical stimuli, the muscles become slack and the tongue can sag against the back of the throat. The airway quickly becomes obstructed and air no longer enters the lungs. Within a few minutes of the airway being obstructed the patient stops breathing. The body cannot function without oxygen and cells begin to die. The heart cannot work without oxygenated blood from the lungs and it stops beating. Lifesaving interventions start with opening the airway and airway patency is the first priority of the first aider. Assess breathing and start CPR on patients who have no or inadequate breathing. Attach an AED if available. Although there is a range of normal breathing, always assess the patient’s overall condition. The final lifesaving intervention is detection of severe bleeding. Severe external bleeding must be controlled by direct pressure when required.

When you complete your primary assessment and prepare for the next stage of care, you have some things to consider and decisions to make. The rapid body scan will assist you in deciding the patient’s priority. If you do not identify injuries or illness that require medical treatment or 911 during assessment of the ABCs, then you may find indication for further care during the rapid body scan. As you continue providing care, it is vitally important to remain aware of changes in the patient’s condition. The need to assess your patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation is an ongoing concern and must be monitored every few minutes until paramedics arrive.

50

www.preohs.com