Summary

On planning to assess a collapsed player ensure you are safe to approach and call for help. Assess the player using the ABC approach, opening their airway and assessing for breathing and pulse for 10 seconds. If there is no pulse commence CPR immediately after ensuring emergency aid is en route to you. Continue good quality CPR until help arrives or there is a signs of life. Ensure there are minimal interruptions in the delivery of CPR especially chest compressions to maintain the coronary artery perfusion pressure.

If providing care to an arrested paediatric patient remember the need for 5 rescue breaths/ventilations and assessing for signs of life before commencing chest compressions at a ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breathes/ventilations.

Once available turn on the AED and follow its instructions to place pads on the patient’s chest and plug in connector. The AED will assess the patients arrest rhythm and guide to whether a shock is advised. It is essential that good quality CPR is maintained throughout and only paused when shocks are indicated.

As soon as possible the patient should be taken to nearest emergency department once it is safe to do so.