MICA · CARE LEARNING NOTES
Observe, keep care safe and communicate
In adults, prompt recognition, calling for help, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using a defibrillator are the initial priorities. This guide supports updated practical training; it does not certify procedural competence.
Unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing
Check safety and responsiveness. Call for help immediately when there is no response and assess breathing. Gasps, slow laboured breaths or unusual breathing movements are not normal breathing. If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally, assume cardiac arrest and begin CPR; do not prolong an uncertain search for signs of life.
[1]Arrange help and an AED simultaneously
Activate the hospital emergency number or local emergency services; give the exact location and suspected arrest. Send for an automated external defibrillator, resuscitation trolley and assistance, assigning each task clearly. If a phone is available, use speaker mode to receive instructions while acting. Do not wait for medical arrival or an ECG before starting compressions.
[1][2]Provide appropriate compressions and ventilation
Compress the lower half of the sternum, in the centre of the chest, at 100–120 compressions per minute and 5–6 cm depth in adults, allowing full recoil and minimal interruptions. If trained in ventilation, alternate 30 compressions and 2 breaths sufficient to start chest rise; otherwise provide continuous compressions following instructions. Do not routinely move someone already in bed to the floor before starting.
[1]Activate the local emergency response as soon as a person is unresponsive, then assess breathing. In an unresponsive adult not breathing normally, gasping is not effective breathing. Activate the local emergency response and bring the AED while starting resuscitation. Deliver quality compressions at 100–120 per minute and a depth of 5–6 cm, allowing recoil and minimising interruptions.
- Follow AED instructions and resume compressions promptly when instructed.
Use the AED and hand over
When available, switch on the AED, apply pads as directed and follow prompts. Ensure nobody touches the patient during analysis or shock; promptly resume CPR as instructed. Continue until handover, emergency service instructions or clear awakening with normal breathing. Assign a team member to record the timeline; debriefing and support follow the event.
[1][2]A learning situation
FICTIONAL SITUATION · REFLECTION WITHOUT A SCORE
Fictional situation: an adult collapses on the ward. He is unresponsive and makes occasional gasps. A witness thinks he is still breathing and suggests waiting for the doctor.
How should this be interpreted and managed?
Read the reasoning
Gasps are not normal breathing. Assume arrest, activate help and request the AED immediately, then start compressions without waiting. Allocate tasks and follow defibrillator instructions on arrival. Trained responders provide advanced interventions; waiting for them does not suspend basic CPR.
References and scope
Original documentary teaching summary for adult care. Procedures and medicines depend on professional competence, prescription and institutional procedures. International references do not establish an Algerian protocol. Independent human scientific review remains to be confirmed.