Chain of Survival
By Faisal Javed MirWelcome Respected Readers,
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a series of life-saving actions that improve the chance of survival following cardiac arrest. Although the optimal approach to CPR may wary, depending on the rescuer, the victim, and the available resources, the fundamental challenge remains: how to achieve early and effective CPR. Given this challenge, recognition of arrest and prompt action by the rescuer continue to be priorities for the 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC.
Cardiac arrest occurs both in and out of the hospital and is still the leading cause of death in many parts of the world. According to Prof. Dr. Nadeem Hayat of Punjab Institute of Cardiology (in an informal seminar) that every day more than 1200 casualties occur in Pakistan of cardiac patients (declared patients and those without prior treatment). The grave concern is that attempted resuscitation is not always appropriate, there are many lives and life-years lost because appropriate resuscitation is not attempted.
Unfortunately we can’t present cardiac arrest stats for Pakistan of in-hospital and out-of-hospital cases. But one thing is very sure that cardiac arrest continues to be an all-too-common cause of premature death, and small incremental improvements in survival can translate into thousands of lives saved every year.
Key Principles in Resuscitation: Successful resuscitation following cardiac arrest required an integrated set of coordinated actions represented by the links in the Chain of Survival.
- Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system (ERS/EMS;
- Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compression;
- Rapid defibrillation;
- Effective advanced life support; &
- Integrated post-cardiac arrest care.
Cardiac arrest is an important public health issue. Resuscitation involves a broad spectrum of individuals, stakeholders and groups. Key stakeholders include the public, emergency medical dispatchers, public safety organizations, EMS systems, hospitals, civic groups, and policy makers at the local, provincial and federal levels.
Because the links in the Chain of Survival are interdependent, an effective resuscitation strategy required these individuals and groups to work in an integrated fashion and function as a system of care. Fundamental to a successful resuscitation system of care is the collective appreciation of the challenges and opportunities presented by the Chain of Survival.
Hands-Only CPR is one of the key development to encourage layperson to attempt early CPR to save lives. With this (Hands-Only CPR) everyone can be a lifesaving rescuer for a cardiac arrest. All rescuers, regardless of training, should encourage laypersons to learn Hands-Only CPR to provide early chest compressions to all cardiac arrest victims.
To Your Health, Safety & Self Pride,
Faisal Javed Mir & First Aid to Save a Life Pakistan
When was the last time you donated blood?
By Faisal Javed MirWelcome Respected Readers,
Most of the times we need any reason to donate blood BUT we have many reasons to do it for our own health. We should also do it when someone is in need of it and but what if there is no one to ask me to donate blood in 2 to 3 or even 4 months time? I have every reason to do it even nobody asks me to do so in two months time.
If we were not donating it before then we should start donating blood more often because of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) cases in recent season. Dengue strongly hit Lahore city and some of the other cities in Punjab and KPK where patients does require complete blood transfusion (if advised by doctor) otherwise mostly platelets transfer to cover the loss because of DHF. This deficiency can only be managed if we have passionate volunteers date bank to lower the burden on patient’s family members.
Unfortunately, the fact is that we are not good in donating blood. At large we can’t manage 1 hour in 2 months time to schedule blood donation and we don’t bother much to give (approximately 0.6 lit) half liter of blood which can save up to 3 lives. But there is constant need of blood supply and our contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. The thought of being able to help save three people’s lives every time you donate blood makes you feel like a better person.
Should I consider anything before donating blood?
Yes, there is eligibility criteria for donating blood. Personally we ourselves should know it in detail and obviously (honest) healthcare professionals will look for the prerequisite before bleeding you.
Eligibility Criteria for Blood Donations:
To ensure the safety of blood donation for both donors and recipients, all volunteer blood donors must be evaluated (physically and medically by healthcare professionals) to determine their eligibility to give blood.
You must be healthy, should carry 150 lbs weight and at least 17 years old to donate to the general blood supply, or 16 years old with parental/guardian consent. There is no upper age limit for blood donation as long as you are well with no restrictions or limitations to your activities.
NOTE: Healthy means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, healthy also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control. This is healthcare professionals job and they hold confidential interview to get the answers to their questions to take their decision and declare eligibility criteria met or not.
Other aspects of each potential donor’s health history are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is collected. Each donor receives a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin (or hematocrit) are measured.
Do I need something special to do before donating blood?
NO, nothing special or mandatory to do but still there are some recommendations to do in a day you waned to donate.
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids the day of your donation.
- Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.
- If possible, include iron-rich foods in your diet, especially in the weeks before your donation.
- Bring along a friend/family member, so that you may both enjoy the benefits of giving blood or inspire other to get ready for his/her turn to donate for good cause.
- Blood donation is a simple and very safe procedure so there is nothing to worry about.
How can I make sure my own safety is not violated?
It is not possible to get AIDS or other infectious
disease by giving blood, if you make sure below process is
followed.
A brand new, sterile, disposable needle
is used for blood donation.
You can only donate if your health history permits and you feel well. You are asked general health questions and are given a mini physical – temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin are checked – prior to donation to ensure that you are feeling well and that it is safe for you to give blood. Your health history and test results (take your medical record with you) are confidential and cannot be shared without your permission, except as required by law.
Feeling faint or fatigued after donating blood is
uncommon.
If it occurs, it most likely will pass
in a matter of hours. Most donors feel fine before and after
donating, but a small number of people may have a lightheaded or
dizzy feeling. If you feel faint, stop what you are doing and lie
down until you feel better.
You can help ensure your experience is a positive and
rewarding one.
Stay in the refreshment area for the recommended period of time;
mention to the staff any unusual feelings or sensations; continue
to hydrate throughout the day and avoid strenuous exercise or
heavy lifting on the day of donation.
To Your & Nation’s Health and Safety,
Oil and Gas HSE Jobs
By Kevin Site Owner
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