Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa

12/08/2026

This is amazing

South Africa let us know of uniquely placed AEDs in our country.

09/08/2026

Happy 9th of August

09/08/2026

03/08/2026

18-Lead ECG is better than a 12-lead?

An 18-lead ECG provides a comprehensive 3-dimensional map of the heart by adding right-sided and posterior leads to the standard 12-lead.

It is specifically used to detect hidden heart attacks, particularly those affecting the right ventricle or the back wall of the heart.

31/07/2026

The American Heart Association (AHA) advises that lay rescuers and trained responders should administer naloxone for respiratory arrest caused by suspected opioid overdose.

In cases of cardiac arrest, high-quality CPR takes priority, but naloxone may be given concurrently if it does not delay or interrupt resuscitation efforts.

In South Africa, Naloxone is a schedule 4 medicine and it’s distribution is limited.

Do you think it should be more readily available in SA 🇿🇦

Do you think SA also has an opioid crisis?

29/07/2026

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) aka Aspirin acts as an antiplatelet agent by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) in platelets.

This blockade prevents the synthesis of thromboxane A2, a potent molecule that stimulates platelet activation and clumping. Because platelets lack a nucleus, they cannot regenerate COX-1, making the antiplatelet effect permanent for the platelet's 7-10 day lifespan.

ASA is considered first line treatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes

28/07/2026

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT):

Tachycardia treatment
For narrow complex tachycardia
Modified Valsalva Manoeuvre

Using this sequence improves the success rate for the Valsalva manoeuvre from 17% to 43%
(defined as the patient being back in sinus rhythm at one minute) in the REVERT trial.

https://www.thebottomline.org.uk/summaries/icm/revert/

27/07/2026

The American Heart Association (AHA) considers bag-mask ventilation (BMV) a first-line, life-saving skill. During cardiac arrest, it should be delivered by squeezing the bag just enough to produce visible chest rise.
The AHA recommends a rate of 1 breath over 1 second with 500 to 600 mL of air for an adult, to prevent over-ventilation and gastric inflation.

The two person technique is superior to the traditional one-handed EC clamp technique.

23/07/2026

“A woman collapsed on the flight,” Foote was quoted as saying. “I saw Dave calling Clem and when he got there, he resuscitated her. He literally pumped and pumped and said he wasn’t picking up a pulse.”

JUNIOR SPRINGBOK DOCTOR TO THE RESCUE

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/rugby/junior-bok-doc-saves-life-on-board-return-flight/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=TheSouthAfrican&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaATMux5wZG9mBWZkaWQWUK_i7uQxN_G5Ou3Kx2PhBGI5mVm4_mV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR68aeJwUOrOASYTipcU_gu5Wj4L6GNHjWPwHM1EOyBsnHNEwoWZFl-Y1qmnBw_aem_3Qqo31qGHQ_B_6m9zPhKfA =1784622552

22/07/2026

The two-thumb encircling hand technique is the preferred method for delivering chest compressions and thrusts to infants (under 1 year old) during CPR.

It is recommended because it provides better blood flow, deeper compressions, and causes less fatigue than the two-finger method.