Chance of survival? A miracle
Chance of survival? A miracle
When we head out for a night in the town, we take for granted how fragile our safety and lives really are. All too often, innocent party goers are caught in a cross fire of arguments and fights, or perhaps themselves require medical treatment. It is essential for venues to be prepared in an emergency and maintain a high level of safety to protect its customers.
I would like to share with you a story that some may say is a true miracle. I was celebrating a birthday at a venue in Melbourne CBD. While walking past the dance floor I witnessed a young male who had collapsed to the ground and was surrounded by security. I headed over in an attempt to provide assistance. After convincing security, I assessed the male and noticed he was NOT breathing. This meant CARDIAC ARREST. His heart had stopped. No oxygen was getting to his brain. Chance of survival drops by 10% per minute and one minute had already passed.
90% chance of survival!
The security guards picked him up and carried him down some stairs. I followed close behind knowing that this man was by definition, dead. I screamed out to call 000. Once arriving in the loading dock, he was placed on the ground. 3 minutes had now passed.
70% chance of survival!
Quick, i thought... DRSABCD.
Airway clear
"SOMEONE CALL 000"
Breathing... none
I started compressions on a 22 year old man with 3 or more security guards watching me. I screamed for a First Aid kit. What arrived was an empty box covered in dust, a few opened bandaids and a broken CPR face mask.
I continued compressions, trying to get assistance from staff, but a lack of training made this effort futile. Shortly after another First Aid kit arrived. This time a working face shield. I continued with 2 breaths every 30 compressions. 5 minutes had passed.
50% chance of survival!
In my head I knew this man needed a DEFIBRILLATOR. His heart was most likely in one of 2 irregular rhythms. Ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. As a result the heart was not pumping out any blood, depriving his brain and body of oxygen. His heart needed to be shocked back into a normal state. I continued CPR for another 5 minutes.
0% chance of survival
The paramedics arrived and the defibrillator was connected immediately. "Shock advised." The young male received 2 shocks in total and was clinically dead for a total of 15 minutes. Amazingly, he survived. After a week in ICU, the male made a full recovery and it was a great relief to find out he had pulled through.
Thankfully this story resulted in a happy ending. Statistics indicated a negative 50% chance of survival, how can this be improved?
The picture on the right is called the chain of survival. If undertaken within the first 3-4 minutes of a cardiac arrest the patient has an 80% chance of surviving. The 4 steps are:
- Call 000 QUICKLY
- Begin CPR IMMEDIATELY
- Connect a defibrillator ASAP
- Access to paramedics ASAP
The question is, what can venues do to create a safer environment? Well here are some essentials:
- Ensure adequate number of First Aid Kits
- Ensure adequate number of staff trained in First Aid
- Carry an AED (Automated external defibrillator)
- Undertake regular audits to ensure you continue to meet government legislation
DFAS already has a number of venues who participate in the 'Safe in the Workplace' pledge. Love Machine in Prahran undergoes quarterly inspections to ensure their First Aid kits are up to date and fully stocked in case of emergency. There is also the provision to acquire a defibrillator to create an even safer venue for their customers. Their enthusiasm to maintain a safe workplace is encouraged and supported by DFAS and will hopefully begin a trend for other venues in Melbourne.
Designer First Aid Solutions is at the forefront in ensuring Melbourne party goers are safe. To achieve our goal and encourage you to take the first step, we are offering a FREE Workplace Inspection to evaluate your current status.
Contact us by filling out the form below and we will contact you to arrange your free workplace inspection.