Ask Mac – Questions ListCategory: Cardiac ArrestSingle PCP response to a VSA
asked 2 years ago
Hey I'm just wondering what you guys would like from us as a single PCP (PRU) responding to a VSA if there will be a prolonged (>15 minutes) response from a transporting unit. Should I just do compressions and defib or should I be attempting to manage the airway as well? I know my focus is on high quality CPR and defib but should I maybe one hand CPR for a moment to get an OPA? Please let me know exactly what the expectations is as the AHA Guideline is unclear except for the rates of compressions to ventilations for a single rescuer. Thanks.
1 Answers
answered 2 years ago
Great question, and a challenging scenario for a single PCP (PRU).   You are correct in that the focus with resuscitation has definitely shifted towards the importance of high quality CPR and early defibrillation. These interventions have been shown to have the greatest impact on survival rates.  With that said, taking into consideration the short amount of time it takes to insert an OPA, this could be done upon initial assessment and remaining care as per the AHA guidelines.
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HSN CPC