After noticing the elderly man who had collapsed and determining he was unresponsive and not breathing, you immediately took action. You instructed a bystander to call 999 and request an ambulance while another bystander retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from the nearby park facilities. You began performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, following the guidelines for high-quality CPR. Within a few minutes, the bystander returned with the AED, which you promptly turned on and applied to the man's chest as per the voice prompts. The AED advised a shock, which was delivered successfully, followed by a continuation of CPR.
You continued CPR until the paramedics arrived. Upon their arrival, the paramedics took over, providing advanced life support measures. They administered medications, secured the man’s airway, and continued resuscitation efforts while preparing him for transport to the hospital. Due to the immediate and effective response, the man's heart rhythm stabilised, and he regained consciousness en route to the hospital.
The swift actions taken by you and the bystanders, combined with the timely arrival of the paramedics, significantly improved the man's chances of survival and recovery. The early defibrillation and high-quality CPR were critical in preserving his brain function and overall health. The man was later reported to be in stable condition, with doctors praising the prompt and efficient emergency response he received at the park.
Ensuring that help is on the way while performing BLS in the community is crucial because it maximises the victim's chances of survival and recovery.
While immediate CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can temporarily sustain blood flow and oxygenation, professional medical intervention is essential for advanced care and definitive treatment.
Calling emergency services ensures that paramedics equipped with life-saving medications, advanced airway management tools, and the expertise to provide comprehensive medical care are en route.
This coordination allows for a seamless transition from basic to advanced life support, reducing the time to definitive care, which is critical in improving outcomes for the victim.
Moreover, having emergency services on the way provides psychological reassurance to the rescuer, enabling them to focus on delivering high-quality CPR and AED use while knowing that professional help is imminent.
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