CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST: KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF A FAMILY HEALTH TEAM

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the perception of professionals from a Family Health Team on cardiopulmonary arrest. Material and Methods: This an exploratory and descriptive study, with quantitative and qualitative approaches, performed in a Family Health Unit in Joao Pessoa - PB. The study followed the ethical observances of 196/96 Resolution of the National Health Council, and data collection was conducted in January 2010. For database analysis, tables and charts were built descriptively in Microsoft Excel 2007. Results: Data showed that 80% of respondents said that the first signs revealing a cardiopulmonary arrest are apnea, unconsciousness, and absence of carotid pulse. 60% reported that the right order was mouth-to-mouth resuscitation / artificial circulation by external thoracic compression / and early defibrillation by use of automatic defibrillators. 60% of respondents reported that the correct support sequence in cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers are 5 cycles of 30 compressions to 2 breaths, and 40% of professionals interviewed have never had an experience with patients in cardiac arrest. Conclusion: Although these professionals have technical and scientific knowledge, there is a lack of skills required when facing a situation of cardiac arrest. DESCRIPTORS: Cardiac Arrest. Family Health. Nursing.