(CE) Cardiac Emergencies Module Overview

Cardiac Emergencies Module Overview

Introduction

cardiac emergencies wordleScenario - You and your chemistry lab partner were not able to finish your lab during class yesterday and have organized to meet Mr. Erlenmeyer in the lab after school to finish it up. Upon entering the lab you and your friend find Mr. Erlenmeyer sprawled on the floor, face down next to his desk. What would you do?
After successfully completing this unit you will be able to recognize cardiac emergencies and understand the steps for performing CPR.

Essential Questions

  • How do you recognize a cardiac emergency?
  • What conditions may cause a cardiac emergency?
  • What is the Cardiac Chain of Survival and how is it implemented?
  • What are the steps for performing CPR for an infant, child and adult?
  • How does a citizen responder use an AED for fibrillation?

Module Minute

Two of the most common cardiac emergencies include heart attack and cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs when part of the heart begins to die due to a lack of blood flow to some part of the heart. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops beating. However, any illness or injury that renders the heart unable to circulate blood effectively, would constitute a situation in which Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is necessary. CPR is made up of a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing that simulate lung and heart function. This aids the victim in circulating the oxygen rich blood to vital organs. Invoking the cardiac chain of survival as quickly as possible increases a victims chance of survival. This includes early recognition and early access, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced medical care.

Key Terms

  1. Angina - Chest pain resulting from a 'miniature heart attack' caused by a short-term blockage.
  2. AED - Automated External Defibrillator
  3. Cardiac Arrest - A condition in which the heart has stopped beating permanent cessation of the heartbeat
  4. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation- (CPR) An emergency procedure that combines rescue breathing and chest compressions to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person experiencing cardiac arrest.
  5. Cardiovascular Disease - Refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart and/or blood vessels (arteries and veins).  
  6. Carotid Artery - The main artery providing blood supply to the head.
  7. Circulation - The movement of blood throughout the body; performed by the heart
  8. Coronary Arteries - Blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood.
  9. Heart Attack - Bleeding or blockage cuts off blood flow to part of the heart muscle ( Also called myocardial infarction)
  10. Cardiac Chain of Survival - A series of steps that should be followed by citizen responders during a cardiac emergency that provides the victim with the best chance for survival.
  11. Atherosclerosis - A disease affecting the arterial blood vessel. It is commonly referred to as a "hardening" or "furring" of the arteries.

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