Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support for people with atypical chest shapes and wheelchair users: Toward supplemented education and emergency management plans

Abstract

This article explores current practice issues in basic life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) delivery for people with disability and poses recommendations for development of education and training where specialist nurses and other health professionals can facilitate BLS and CPR techniques catering for people with atypical chest shapes wheelchair users and people at high risk of choking. People with a disability are at higher risk of premature and unexpected death. At present there is a significant gap in knowledge about how to deliver optimal BLS or CPR to people with atypical chest shapes wheelchair users and people at high risk of choking. This leave carers to augment guidelines during emergency situations. Introduction of supplemented BLS and CPR together with development of emergency care plans for people with disability could reduce the number of people with disability dying premature or preventable deaths.

Keywords: Basic life support; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Carers; Disability; Nurses.