chapter 5. The ABC chapter
A M Byrne and N Eustace
This chapter is designed as a quick reference guide for those who have previously been instructed in basic life-saving techniques.
The aim of this chapter is to remind you how to:
• assess the collapsed athlete
• initiate basic life support to maintain blood and air flow
• use a defibrillator
Risks to the rescuer
• The rescuer’s personal safety comes first
• Be aware of risks from the environment, e.g. attempting rescue and resuscitation in the water, on a mountainside, on a motor circuit
• Be aware of risks of infection from the person to be resuscitated. Wear gloves and use a pocket mask, if available.
REQUIREMENTS
Team
• Two rescuers
• Helpers for logrolling
Basic equipment
• Gloves
• Towel
• Scissors (to remove clothing)
• Razor (to shave chest)
• Face mask
Advanced equipment
• Guedel airway
• Ambu bag
• Nasopharyngeal airway
• Laryngeal mask airway
• Automated external defibrillator (AED)
A = AIRWAY
Step 1 (Fig. 5.1A)
• Is the athlete unconscious?
• Was there trauma? If yes, stabilize neck (see Ch. 7)
• Do not attempt to move the athlete
• Speak to the athlete – ‘Are you OK? Where are you hurt?’
• Check if the athlete is breathing normally
• If the patient can speak without hoarseness or wheeze, the airway is open
• If unconscious, remove anything that may be obstructing the airway, such as a mouthguard or broken teeth
• Using a gloved finger, sweep the tongue forwards from the back of the throat (no finger sweep in children)
Step 3 (Fig. 5.2)
• If unconscious, gently open the airway by tilting the chin upwards with one hand and pushing back on the forehead with the other hand (Fig. 5.2A)
OR
• If possibility of a neck injury, open the airway with a ‘jaw thrust’ by putting fingers behind the angle of the jaw and lifting the jaw upwards to open the mouth and airway (Fig. 5.2B)
If the athlete is face down, logrolling is required for airway access.
Clearing the airway takes priority over other injuries.
If these methods successfully open the airway:
If airway is open but spontaneous breathing does not occur, start by giving two breaths (see next section).
Placing the player in the recovery position
2. Bend opposite knee and bring across opposite hand (Fig. 5.4B).
3. Turn the player on their side (Fig. 5.4C).
Advanced techniques to protect airway
• To maintain the airway, an oropharyngeal or Guedel airway can be used. Select the appropriate size by placing the flange parallel to the front teeth – the tip of the airway should not go beyond the angle of the jaw (Fig. 5.5). If too long, it could actually obstruct the airway. If too short, it could push the tongue against the back of the throat and again obstruct the airway
Related posts:
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
