Risk management measures: Don’t overlook CPR

Sometimes one has to learn things the hard way.facility took 12 minutes to start CPR and call a Code
Here we can cite the example of a hospital whichBlue.
learnt its lesson not to overlook one of the simplestThere was utter confusion among the staff
elements in medical staff training: CPR.members present there and sadly, the first
In October last year, a casualty occurred in SSMresponders did not start CPR. As a result, panic took
DePaul Health Center’s Behavior Unit when aover.
patient was put in a physical restraint and given aAfter the incident, the hospital took several steps.
sedative. CMS, after a week, showed up for anRead on for these risk management measures that
onsite allegation survey and determined that thewill certainly be of help to health care providers.
facility was out of compliance with the CMS CoPThe hospital instituted administrative oversight onsite
concerning patient’s rights and that the situationat SSM DePaul 24-7 until the interim action plan was
comprised an unabated condition of immediatecompleted. That apart, administrative supervisor had
jeopardy.to do walking rounds through all units of the hospital
The patient who had become violent toward theat least twice per shift.
staff was lead to a quiet room and kept in aThe hospital also promised to offer CPR education to
‘therapeutic hold’ until a sedative could beall appropriate staff.
administered. However, the problem began after theCPR-certified staffs have to perform mock Code
staff grew confused about what to do when theBlue simulations once a year and staffs have to meet
patient could not be revived. Although ‘Codetwice a year to review the process.
Blue’ was called, the patient was not assessedAs part of the hospital’s wireless communication
and treated by a doctor for over 20 minutes afterpolicy, RNs are now required to carry ASCOM
he was first assessed as unresponsive. In fact, theportable forms all the time during their work hours.