Risk Management Measures: Don't Overlook Cpr

By Author: Jaun Paul
Total Articles: 53
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Sometimes one has to learn things the hard way. Here we can cite the example of a hospital which learnt its lesson not to overlook one of the simplest elements in medical staff training: CPR.


In October last year, a casualty occurred in SSM DePaul Health Center's Behavior Unit when a patient was put in a physical restraint and given a sedative. CMS, after a week, showed up for an onsite allegation survey and determined that the facility was out of compliance with the CMS CoP concerning patient's rights and that the situation comprised an unabated condition of immediate jeopardy.


The patient who had become violent toward the staff was lead to a quiet room and kept in a ‘therapeutic hold' until a sedative could be administered. However, the problem began after the staff grew confused about what to do when the patient could not be revived. Although ‘Code Blue' was called, the patient was not ...
... assessed and treated by a doctor for over 20 minutes after he was first assessed as unresponsive. In fact, the facility took 12 minutes to start CPR and call a Code Blue.


There was utter confusion among the staff members present there and sadly, the first responders did not start CPR. As a result, panic took over.


After the incident, the hospital took several steps. Read on for these risk management measures that will certainly be of help to
health care providers.


The hospital instituted administrative oversight onsite at SSM DePaul 24-7 until the interim action plan was completed. That apart, administrative supervisor had to do walking rounds through all units of the hospital at least twice per shift.

The hospital also promised to offer
CPR education to all appropriate staff.

CPR-certified staffs have to perform mock Code Blue simulations once a year and staffs have to meet twice a year to review the process.

As part of the hospital's wireless communication policy, RNs are now required to carry ASCOM portable forms all the time during their work hours.

Provides weekly digest newsware about medical staff training, and offers advanced Learning Opportunities about CPR education for healthcare executives and physician billers according to 2010 Work Plan.