Question

According to the national association of EMS Physicians, which of the following is an accepted criterion for cessation of CPR procedures?

a.) a non hypothermic athlete is in cardiac arrest for more than 30 minutes
b.) an emergency medical technician instructs you to discontinue treatment of the athlete
c.) the athlete regains normal breathing pattern
d.) another rescuer arrives on the scene and offers assistance
e.) the AED has provided at least one shock

Answer 1

The accepted criterion for stopping CPR is when the person regains a normal breathing pattern. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can deliver an electrical shock to correct arrhythmias, potentially allowing normal heart and breathing functions to return. Continuing CPR until clear signs of recovery are observed is vital.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the National Association of EMS Physicians, one accepted criterion for cessation of CPR procedures is when the athlete or person regains a normal breathing pattern. During a cardiac emergency, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is recommended in many cases before or concurrently with the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The AED is a lifesaving device that delivers a large electrical charge to the heart to correct arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation.

An AED analyzes the patient's heart rhythm and then applies the electric shock with appropriate energy and waveform if needed. The shock delivered by the AED can cause both the heart and diaphragm to contract temporarily, stopping both heart rate and breathing. However, after the shock, both functions often return to normal, allowing for the possibility of the SA node to trigger a normal sinus rhythm.

It is a misconception that the application of at least one shock from an AED is a criterion for stopping CPR. CPR should continue until there are clear signs of recovery, such as normal breathing, or until medical professionals take over and make the determination to cease efforts based on their protocols and the patient's condition.

Answer 2

The criterion for ceasing CPR as per the national association of EMS Physicians is when the athlete regains normal breathing. Hypothermia can affect decisions on stopping CPR, as it can extend the window for successful resuscitation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The accepted criterion for cessation of CPR procedures according to the national association of EMS Physicians is when the athlete regains normal breathing pattern (option c.). It's important to continue CPR until professional medical help arrives or the victim starts to breathe normally. Instances where a patient is in a non-hypothermic state and cardiac arrest for more than 30 minutes (option a.), instructions from an EMT to discontinue (option b.), the arrival of another rescuer (option d.), or the administering of at least one shock from an AED (option e.) do not alone dictate the cessation of CPR.

It is essential to note that situations such as hypothermia can affect the criteria for stopping CPR, as the lowered body temperature can preserve neurological function, allowing for longer periods of successful resuscitation. Furthermore, the use of controlled hypothermia in an emergency department setting can be part of a therapeutic protocol to reduce heart damage after cardiac arrest.