Singap Med J
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It must be emphasised that the published International Guidelines 2000 contain an in-depth presentation of the scientific evidence behind advanced life support. The exact interpretation of this evidence, and the algorithms adopted by a national resuscitation council will depend upon various factors such as local interpretation of the evidence, local practice and availability of drugs. The ERC is publishing its own summaries of the guideline changes and the sequences of action for both BLS and ALS and these papers are recommended for further reading.
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Keeping the airway patent and protected is the crucial first step in resuscitation of collapsed patients. The patency of the airway can be maintained by head tilt, chin lift and jaw thrust, with or without the assistance of airway adjunct, for example oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airways. ⋯ A comprehensive training program must be in place to improve the success rate of the laryngeal mask airway insertion and reduce the complication rate associated with the placement of this device. In order to ensure survival of collapsed patients, all medical and nursing staff must know when and how to manage the airways. "Do Not Resuscitate" orders should be written for terminally ill patients to reduce futile resuscitation.