ABSTRACT
Demonstrates a safe approach (i.e. does not pose hazard to self or ‘patient’) Approaches the ‘patient’ and checks for responsiveness using verbal and physical stimulation If no response, shouts for help Checks in the mouth for foreign objects and removes any visible obstruction Opens the ‘patient’s’ airway using either a jaw thrust technique or head tilt – chin lift as appropriate Checks for signs of breathing for 10 seconds (looks, listens and feels) If the ‘patient’ is not breathing, goes to get help, and ensures a cardiac arrest call has been put out Performs two effective rescue breaths using a pocket-mask Checks for signs of a circulation for 10 seconds If no carotid pulse, performs 15 chest compressions using the correct technique Continues resuscitation using the correct ratio of two breaths to 15 chest compressions until help arrives
Examiner global rating
KEY You are expected to know advanced life support (ALS) prior to becoming a PRHO, and most medical schools normally run a compulsory course for all students to attend. You will probably not be asked to perform ALS in the OSCE due to the practical difficulties of it, but what you will be required to do is perform BLS and to answer questions with regard to ALS, perhaps even demonstrating aspects of it on a mannequin. You should know how to connect the mannequin to a cardiac monitor and where to place the paddles, and you should be able to talk through defibrillation. You should recognize rhythm strips for supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and asystole, and know the principles of electro-mechanical dissociation. You will be expected to know the drug doses that form part of the ALS algorithm.
