[Español] This is a supplement to Adult Pit Crew CPR and Pediatric Pit Crew CPR. Specifically, this is how we have modified our training process since attending the Resuscitation Academy in Seattle / King County. Each rescuer should experience each position at least twice. In other words, you run the drill, stop and switch, run the drill, […]
EMS is called to the residence of a 71 year old male for “seizures.” On arrival the patient’s spouse meets the ambulance outside and hurries the paramedics along saying “Come quickly! Please help him!” The paramedics arrive at the patient’s side just in time to see him receive an ICD shock. They ask how long […]
EMS is called to the residence of a 90 year old female who awoke to an “uncontrolled bowel movement” that corresponded with sudden onset abdominal pain. On EMS arrival, the patient is alert and oriented to person, place, time, and event. She has a grimace on her face and appears acutely ill. When asked the […]
A reader asks, “Does your Pit Crew CPR process work for pediatrics?” (See video on Vimeo). The answer is yes (with some minor modifications). Some things to keep in mind: Pediatric cardiac arrest is more likely to be respiratory or asphyxial so there is less emphasis on “patient’s side to first shock” as the arrest […]
Here is a description of Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue’s Pit Crew / High Performance CPR process in bullet point form. It may help to think of it as a 4-phase process. Phase 1: Patient’s side to first shock Confirm pulselessness and announce “at patient, code blue” Start CPR (continuous chest compressions at the appropriate […]