Is It Normal To Break Ribs During CPR?
When it comes to the many techniques that can help save a patient’s life in cases of emergencies, CPR is definitely one of the most crucial ones to know about. By performing CPR on...
Author: John Furst
What does ELITE stand for in manual handling?
ELITE is an acronym used to remember the different aspects of a manual handling risk assessment. So what does ELITE stand for? Environment Consider the environment where the manual handling task is taking place. Are...
Should I buy a home defibrillator/AED?
A defibrillator is a medical device used to help victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are defibrillators designed to be used by members of the public with no formal medical training....
Advantages of an Automated External Defibrillator in the workplace
An Automated External Defibrillator is a lifesaving piece of medical equipment used in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. Every workplace should consider having an AED in the workplace or accessible nearby. AEDs...
Can you perform CPR on a bed?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) comprises of chest compressions and rescue breaths. A common question from learners is if CPR can be performed on a bed (Eg: at home). The aim of CPR is to keep...
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
Sprains and strains are common injuries which a first aider may encounter. So what is the difference between a sprain and a strain? Sprain A sprain occurs when a ligament is torn at or near a...
What are the causes of Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia which affects millions of people. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the electrical activity in the heart becomes disrupted and the chambers of the heart stop beating in synchrony....
Recording a 12 lead ECG/EKG
A 12 lead ECG/EKG (electrocardiogram) is used to record the electrical activity of the heart. Some advanced first responders may be trained in recording 12 lead ECG/EKGs. Electrical activity of the heart Electrical impulses...
Reversible Causes of Cardiac Arrest – The Four Hs and Four Ts
A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating in a co-ordinated fashion resulting in the cessation of blood flow around the body. The main treatment for cardiac arrest is made up of CPR...
How to Assess For Hypovolemic Shock
Hypovolemic shock is a dangerous, life-threatening condition that occurs when a human body loses a lot of fluid, with some examples being diarrhea and dehydration. It is the second most common type of shock...
A Basic Guide to ECG/EKG Interpretation
An ECG/EKG is a tracing of the electrical activity of the heart. In this blog post we’ll take a basic look at the components of an ECG trace. The diagram below shows a the...
A Complete Guide to the Respiratory System
The respiratory system can be defined as a network of tissues and organs that help a person breathe. Let’s get an overview of the respiratory system before we discuss further about it: Now that...
What is Blood Pressure and what can affect it?
Blood pressure is the force or pressure which the blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels. When the left ventricle contracts and pushes blood into the aorta, the pressure produced is called...
What is a pulse rate and how is it measured?
Measuring a pulse rate is an important skill for first aiders and first responders to acquire. When we feel the patients pulse at the wrist, we are feeling the pressure generated in the artery...
