ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 

 

RESUSCITATION

Ideally all staff should know how to resuscitate a patient. It is recommended that all staff do a basic approved first aid course. This can be arranged and operated within institutions. The following procedure must be adopted if you come across a collapsed person.

DR. A.B.C.
D. Danger to yourself ­ e.g. lying in acid, on live power cords. Remove danger before proceeding.
R. Response of patient, Shake or shout.
A. Airway ­ Is airway clear? ­ look, listen, feel.
B. Breathing ­ Is patient breathing?
C. Circulation. Can you feel a pulse?

Then apply:
EAR = Expired Air Resuscitation
CPR = Cardio­pulmonary Resuscitation
ECC = External Cardiac Compression

SEEK HELP either from workmate or staff doctor.
Be familiar with Resuscitation techniques by attending lectures and practice sessions. Obtain wall charts and display prominently. All departments should have an up to date first aid manual.

Resuscitation Management
Condition
Breathing
Pulse
Treatment
Conscious
Present
Present
 Make comfortable, observe A,B,C
Unconscious
Present
Present
 Place in coma position, observe A,B,C
Unconscious
Absent
Present
 Commence EAR - check pulse every two minutes
Unconscious
Absent
Absent
 Commence CPR (EAR and ECC)

Reference
St. John Council for South Australia (1988)
First Aid Pamphlet.
St. John Council for South Australia (Inc.), Eastwood, South Australia.

 

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