MEDICAL EMERGENCY- CARDIAC ARREST AND BASIC LIFE SUPPORT Definition: " Cardiac Arrest is a medical emergency requiring a systematic approach". Early recognition must be followed by prompt, effective application of Basic Life Support (BLS) techniques to sustain the patient until Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities are available. Management: The management of Cardiac Arrest is a 4-step approach: Recognition and Assessment BLS Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Post-resuscitation Care 1. RECOGNITION AND ASSESMENT Verify that the respiration and circulation have ceased: Loss of consciousness Loss of functional ventilation (respiratory arrest or inadequate respiratory effort) Loss of functional perfusion (No pulse). 2. BASIC LIFE SUUPORT (BLS) The goal in cardiac arrest is the restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The first step towards achieving this ROSC goal is prompt initiation of BLS, where the goal is to rapidly and effectively perfuse the tissues wi