Pregnancy considerations in maternal arrest

Amiodarone is a pregnancy category D drug, where there is known risk to the fetus with administration to the mother.  Amiodarone causes thyroid problems, arrhythmia, and..(read more here....  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/pregnancy-considerations-in-maternal-arrest)

pulse checks as a measure of CPR quality

EMT's, paramedics, nurses, and doctors all frequently check a pulse during CPR in order to assess quality of compressions, but is the presence of a palpable pulse REALLY an indicator of high quality CPR?  

Find out here:  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/pulse-checks-as-a-measure-of-cpr-quality

Pediatric AED/defibrillation pads

Pediatric AED (automated external defibrillator) and manual monitor/ defibrillator pads are designed to be used on infants and children up to about 8 years old.  Older children and adults should use adult pads only.  Pediatric pads are about half the size of adult pads and often have... read more here: http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/pediatric-aeddefibrillation-pads

Agonal gasps..

Agonal gasping (in the context of Basic Life Support) is a condition in which the victim of cardiac arrest has occasional (perhaps once every 10 seconds) 'gasping' breaths.  This breathing pattern is usually accompanied by a snoring type sound, and perhaps a slight shrugging of the shoulders. 

To oversimplify-

When a healthcare provider shakes a victim ("hey, hey, are you ok?"), they should also... (read more here..http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/agonal-gasps)

AED explained

CPR course differences explained

There are actually several different types of CPR courses, from those designed for the lay public, to healthcare provider courses. Some differences are explored.

 

Read about it here: 

CPR course differences explained

Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia

Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) is an abbherrent heart rhythm occasionally seen in the elderly, those with COPD exacerbation, and hypokalemia.  As with most (if not ALL!) arrhythmias, it can also be seen in patients experiencing acute myocardial infarct.

Normally the sino-atrial (SA) node is the primary.... (read more and see the rhythm here: http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/multifocal-atrial-tachycardia)