Studying the Basic ECG

INTRODUCTION

Normal sinus rhythm (NSR) is the characteristic rhythm of the healthy human heart. NSR is considered to be present if the heart rate is in the normal range, the P waves are normal on the ECG, and the rate does not vary significantly. If, however, the R-R interval is variable, the rhythm is called sinus arrhythmia. A sinus rhythm faster than the normal range is called a sinus tachycardia (see “Sinus tachycardia”), while a slower rate is called a sinus bradycardia (see “Sinus bradycardia”).

Why did CPR change from A-B-C to C-A-B?

The 2010 CPR Guidelines rearranged the order of CPR steps. Now, instead of A-B-C, which stands for airway and breathing first followed by chest compressions, the American Heart Association wants rescuers to practice C-A-B: chest compressions first, then airway and breathing. Some have asked, why did CPR change?

2010 CPR Guidelines American Heart Association

After a review of the available research published over a 5 year period, the American Heart Association released its 2010 CPR Guidelines. As expected, the focus for CPR is on good quality chest compressions. Here are the differences between the 2005 and the 2010 CPR Guidelines:
A-B-C is for babies; now it’s C-A-B!

It used to be follow your ABC’s: airway, breathing and chest compressions. Now, Compressions come first, only then do you focus on Airway and Breathing. The only exception to the rule will be newborn babies, but everyone else — whether it’s infant CPR, child CPR or adult CPR — will get chest compressions before you worry about the airway.

2005 CPR Guidelines American Heart Association

In 2005, the American Heart Association changed the guidelines for CPR for lay rescuers – commonly called Heartsaver CPR. Here is a list of major changes as outlined in the Winter 2005-2006 issue of Currents in Emergency Cardiovascular Care, AHA’s newsletter.

When performing Child & Infant CPR alone, complete about two minutes (five cycles) before dialing 911. (old guidelines said to complete one minute)

• Lay rescuers no longer perform a jaw thrust to open the victim’s airway – only use head-tilt, chin-lift.
• Check unresponsive adults for normal breathing; do not take more than ten seconds.
• Check unresponsive infants or children for presence or absence of breathing for fewer than ten seconds.