RESUSCITATIVE CARDIOPULMONARY: UPDATED APPROACH

Abstract

Statistical data show that cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, Europe and Canada and the chance of survival after the event ranges from 2% to 49%, depending on the original heart rate and early resuscitation procedures. The aim of this paper is to describe cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to the guidelines of the American Heart Association, identifying its possible causes, clinical signs, the role of the laity in emergency and use of defibrillator. This literature has addressed studies published in the last seven years, through systematic searches using electronic databases (LILACS and SciELO). Some results point to the need of a minimum knowledge for a quick approach and possible heart failure reversal with better chances of survival. For instance, Basic Life Support is regarded as the first approach to the victim, including steps that can be initiated outside the hospital environment and aimed to increase survival from sudden death. For this rescue be done effectively, there is need for training of the lay population on familiarity with the techniques and priorities in attendance. In addition, there is the need to pay attention to the ethical checking about law protection for the decision not to resuscitate. Is recommended dissemination of information on how to act in this situation, since the health education is an indispensable tool in this process.