Articles by California Medical Training Center
Formerly CPR 3G - Three Generations of EducatorsShould We Shock Asystole?
No, do not shock asystole. Or, as we say in our classes, "Should we shock asystole?... Only on Grey's Anatomy", and almost always in movies and on TV. Asystole is a cardiac rhythm characterized by the absence of any electrical activity in the heart. In other words,...
What is PEA?
In medical terminology, PEA stands for Pulseless Electrical Activity. PEA is a cardiac arrest rhythm characterized by the presence of organized electrical activity on the electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, but the absence of a palpable pulse and effective mechanical...
What Causes Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. Without immediate intervention, it can lead to death within minutes. There are various causes of cardiac arrest, ranging from underlying heart...
Why is Epinephrine Used for all Cardiac Arrest Arrhythmias For All Age Groups?
Why is Epinephrine used for all Cardiac Arrests Arrythmias? Epinephrine hydrochloride produces beneficial effects in patients during cardiac arrest, primarily because of its α-adrenergic receptor–stimulating properties. The adrenergic effects of epinephrine increase...
Active Shooter Event – 3 Things To Remember
Active Shooter Event - 3 Things To Remember: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT 1. Run• Know where the exits are located • Have an escape plan & route • Put distance and solid objects between you and the shooter • Keep hands visible for law enforcement 2. Hide• Lock and block...
5 “Trigger Words/Phrases” To Avoid, Especially With Your Patients
5 “Trigger Words/Phrases” To Avoid, Especially With Your Patients: 1. “No”Try: “I’ll do my best to get your meds to you a bit early, after I finish rounds” 2. “What’s the problem?”Try: “Can we talk about how you are feeling and work on a solution?” 3. “Come here”Try:...
To Which Lead View Should We Set The ECG Monitor?
To Which Lead View Should We Set The ECG Monitor?: Lead II (initially, normally for most patients) The 12 Lead ECG provides an excellent view of the electrical activity within the heart from 12 different perspectives; but, if only one choice for one view from one...
The Only 2 Cardiac Arrest Arrhythmias We Should Shock
The Only 2 Cardiac Arrest Arrhythmias We Should Shock: During cardiac arrest, we must analyze the rhythm immediately and shock if the rhythm is ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Defibrillate with 120-200 joules with biphasic units, 200-360 with...
The 4 Word CPR Class
The 4 Word CPR Class: Push Hard, Push Fast *** Call for help immediately *** Place your hands in the center of the chest over the sternum Push hard: 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest Pust fast: 100-120 times per minute If an AED is available, attach the AED and...
