as you are providing cpr your colleague arrives

Charlotte

2 min read

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28-02-2025

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CPR in Progress: When a Colleague Arrives

Introduction: Performing CPR is a stressful situation. Knowing what to do when a colleague arrives to assist can be the difference between life and death. This article outlines the steps to take when another person joins you during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Effective teamwork is crucial during a medical emergency like cardiac arrest.

What to Do When a Colleague Arrives During CPR

1. Assessment and Communication:

• Immediate Handover: Don't stop CPR abruptly. Briefly inform your colleague of the situation: "I've been performing CPR for [time]. The patient is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse."
• Quickly Assess: While continuing chest compressions, your colleague should quickly assess the situation. They should check the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation. Look for obvious injuries or causes.

2. Delegation of Tasks:

• Two-Rescuer CPR: Once your colleague has assessed, immediately transition to two-rescuer CPR. This involves one person performing chest compressions while the other manages the airway and breathing.
• Clear Roles: One person focuses solely on high-quality chest compressions. The other focuses on opening the airway, providing ventilations (breaths), and fetching the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if needed. Clearly communicate roles.
• Effective Communication: Maintain clear, concise communication. For example, "I'm starting compressions," or "I need the AED now."

3. Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

• Locate and Prepare: If an AED is available, your colleague should retrieve it immediately. They should follow the AED's instructions while you continue compressions.
• Attach and Analyze: Once the AED pads are attached, the device will analyze the heart rhythm. Follow the AED's voice prompts.
• Shock (if advised): If a shock is advised, ensure everyone is clear of the patient before delivering the shock. Immediately resume CPR after the shock.

4. Maintaining High-Quality CPR

• Chest Compression Depth and Rate: Aim for a depth of at least 2 inches for adults, and a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Minimizing Interruptions: Minimize interruptions to chest compressions. Changes in rescuers should be seamless. Aim for minimal downtime between rescuers.
• Effective Ventilations: If ventilations are being given, ensure they are delivered effectively, avoiding excessive volume that could cause stomach inflation.

5. Calling Emergency Services

• Early Notification: Ensure someone has called emergency medical services (EMS) as soon as possible. If you started CPR, it is likely this has already been done.
• Providing Information: Provide the dispatcher with clear and concise information about the patient's condition, your location, and the actions being taken.

6. Post-CPR Actions

• Continue CPR Until EMS Arrives: Continue high-quality CPR until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives and takes over. Do not stop until directed by trained professionals.
• Accurate Documentation: Once EMS arrives, provide them with a detailed account of the events, including the time CPR began, any medications administered (if applicable), and the patient's response to interventions.

Conclusion: Effective teamwork during CPR significantly improves the chances of survival. Clear communication, delegation of tasks, and a focus on high-quality CPR are essential when a colleague joins you. Remember, every second counts in a cardiac arrest. Practicing CPR and team-based scenarios can help build confidence and coordination in real-life emergency situations. Regular training is key to being prepared. Knowing what to do when assistance arrives is a vital part of successfully performing CPR.