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Sep 28, 2023 · Life support is a medical procedure that helps keep the body alive when some vital organs or systems fail. Learn about the different types of life support, when they are used, and how to make decisions about stopping them.
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Automated External Defibrillator
- Artificial Nutrition and Hydration
- Kidney Dialysis
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Mechanical ventilation is used to support or replace the function of your lungs. A breathing machine called a ventilator (or respirator) forces air into your lungs. The ventilator is attached to a tube inserted through your mouth or nose and down into your airway(trachea). This is called intubation. Mechanical ventilation is often used to help you ...
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)is similar to mechanical ventilation. But breathing machines can only move air into your lungs. They can’t directly add oxygen to your blood or remove carbon dioxide from your blood. ECMO can directly exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in place of your lungs. The ECMO process continuously pumps your blood o...
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a group of treatments used when your heartand/or breathing stops. CPR is used in an attempt to support your body and restart your heart and breathing. Electric shocks (defibrillation), chest compressions and medications are used to support circulation and attempt to restart your heart. When used quickly in res...
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that can be used to treat certain forms of cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest can occur when your heart’s rhythm doesn't support a pulse or circulation. An AED analyzes your heart’s rhythm to determine if it’s beating too fast or irregularly. The AED delivers an electrical shock (de...
Artificial nutrition and hydration (tube feeding) replaces or supplements ordinary eating and drinking. It involves providing a chemically balanced mix of nutrients and fluids through a tube placed either through your nose into your stomach or directly into your stomach itself. In some cases, when the normal function of your GI tract is altered, nu...
Dialysis is used to replace the function of injured or non-functioning kidneys. It involves using a special machine to filter harmful wastes and excess fluid from your blood. This restores the blood to a normal, healthy balance. Dialysis isn't a cure for kidney failure and doesn’t affect the underlying function of your kidneys. If your kidneysdon’t...
Learn about the different types of life support techniques and when they are used. Find out how to make informed decisions about life support and end-of-life care.
Jun 4, 2019 · Learn what life support is, how it works, and when it's used. Find out about the different types of life support devices, how to start or stop them, and the chances of recovery.
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Nov 14, 2022 · Learn what life support means and how it works when vital organs fail. Find out the common reasons for life support, the different types of treatments, and the possible complications.
Life support comprises the treatments and techniques performed in an emergency in order to support life after the failure of one or more vital organs. Healthcare providers and emergency medical technicians are generally certified to perform basic and advanced life support procedures; however, basic life support is sometimes provided at the ...
Basic Life Support, or BLS, generally refers to the type of care that first-responders, healthcare providers and public safety professionals provide to anyone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress or an obstructed airway. It requires knowledge and skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using automated external ...
Learn how to perform CPR and use an AED in various settings with the AHA's BLS course. Choose from classroom, blended, or online options and get a course completion card and CE/CME credits.
