Aim

To provide a higher level of theory and practical training in accordance with the UK Resus Council and ERC guidelines in immediate life support (BLS/CPR) and medical emergencies as required by the GDC. Also to provide training in theory and practical AED use in the event of a cardiac arrest.

Objectives

1. Understand basic life support requirements

• 1.1 Describe the principles that underpin basic life support 
• 1.2 Explain the circumstances under which resuscitation is performed 
• 1.3 Explain why early intervention is necessary 
• 1.4 Describe different types of cardiopulmonary arrest 
• 1.5 Understand what pulse oximetry is and why it is important in assessing a patient
• 1.6 Explain the ABCDE approach to patient care
• 1.7 Explain how to check a patients pulse, temperature, blood pressure and other observations.
• 1.8 Explain what Hypoxia is and how it affects the patient
• 1.9 Explain the difference between a heart attack, angina and sudden cardiac arrest

2. Be able to demonstrate basic life support techniques and automated external defibrillator use in line with current national guidelines

• 2.1 Demonstrate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• 2.2 Demonstrate compression-only resuscitation
• 2.3 Demonstrate the use of resuscitation barrier devices
• 2.4 Demonstrate how to manage a choking adult, child and infant
• 2.5 Demonstrate the use of an automated external defibrillator
• 2.6 Describe the differences when using an automated external defibrillator on a child and on an adult
• 2.8 Explain why suction is used to maintain the airway
• 2.9 Explain how an Oropharyngeal airway is used and why they benefit the airway
• 2.9 Explain the requirements of a do not resuscitate order
• 2.10 Demonstrate correct use of a bag valve mask

3. Be able to demonstrate post-resuscitation procedures

• 3.1 Demonstrate how to place a casualty in the recovery position
• 3.2 Identify the risks when placing a casualty in the recovery position
• 3.3 Describe handover and reporting procedures
• 3.4 Explain the correct administration of Oxygen on a patient
• 3.5 Understand the correct assembly, disassembly and storage of an Oxygen kit.
• 3.6 Explain the different types of an Oxygen mask and when you would use them.

4. Be able to carry out basic user maintenance and troubleshoot problems with an automated external defibrillator

• 4.1 Identify when a defibrillator battery requires changing
• 4.2 Identify when electrode pads need replacing
• 4.3 Demonstrate how to troubleshoot problems if the automated external defibrillator does not function correctly

5. Understand the safe use of an automated external defibrillator

• 5.1 Describe the safety considerations when using AEDs

6. Understand medical emergencies

• 6.1 Describe the following medical emergencies and the treatment required for the following:
  – Asthma
  – Hyperventilation
  – Anaphylactic shock
  – Diabetes
  – Seizures and Epilepsy
  – Sepsis

Learning content

This training session is intended to train staff a higher level of immediate life support (BLS/CPR), AED and medical emergency skills to give them the knowledge and confidence to deal with a medical emergency in the practice with both patients and members of the dental team.

Development outcomes

This CPD course meets the criteria for the GDC’s development outcomes C