There are few greater challenges to the skills and ability of a healthcare provider than those posed by the patient in cardiac arrest. In no other condition do the actions of those who first manage the patient have such a profound influence on survival. Many who provide the initial care for such patients are relatively junior with limited experience, but their actions may literally mean the difference between life and death.
The skills required during a resuscitation attempt are essentially practical, although underpinned by sound theoretical principles. In this book Practical Resuscitation: recognition and response, several experts have collaborated to provide a very readable approach to the acquisition of both the theoretical knowledge required and the practical techniques needed to resuscitate the victim of cardiopulmonary arrest. The approach in all cases is practical, depending on skills in assessment of the casualty, with subsequent actions determined by the findings. The rationale behind these actions is explained, as are the techniques required. Finally, the practitioner is encouraged to reflect on the events that have taken place and use this process to learn and improve further.
After sections on ethical and professional issues, the basic principles of resuscitation medicine and the equipment used are described. Chapters then progress logically from basic life support to advanced techniques, with several chapters devoted to more specialised aspects of advanced life support. The overall result is a comprehensive introduction that will serve the newcomer to the hospital ward well, as well as the more experienced practitioner undertaking an extended role. While intended primarily for nurses, it is equally suitable for medical or paramedical staff who may participate in resuscitation attempts or who wish to learn more about the subject.
All the authors are based in the west of England, in Gloucester or Bristol, and are to be congratulated for producing an eminently readable account that is both a practical introduction to the subject as well as a manual for learning and applying practical skills in the treatment of patients. At the same time it provides a comprehensive introduction at a more advanced level, to a subject of increasing importance in modern healthcare. In no small way is this also due to the skilful editorship of Pam Moule and John Albarran, two stalwarts of nurse education, based at the University of the West of England. With the skills that can be learnt from this volume, the basis of sound practice will be established and serve the reader well in practice whether working as a first responder, a member of the cardiac arrest team or as the team leader.
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