“Clear” was announced loudly from the TV by an actress playing an enthusiastic doctor from a popular TV show. Immediately she grabbed two square paddles, one in each hand, and swung around to the limp patient lying on a gurney. Slapping the paddles onto the patient’s chest, the body instantly rose then dropped in a very dramatic arc. “Okay, he’s back…”
Excellent fodder for a TV series but hardly realistic – this isn’t how it’s done. Still, the concept is good and based on Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols. Victims of a sudden cardiac event will be treated appropriately by trained professionals. Pre-hospital first responders, such as paramedics and “Life-flight” personnel, as well as trained hospital staff possess skills necessary to provide these advanced resuscitation measures.
The “Code Blue” announced in hospital settings when sudden cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs is actually a very organized process, conducted by trained professionals who follow national protocols. None of the chaos viewed in Hollywood films is the reality of what occurs during a “Code”. Well-orchestrated techniques utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and medications are the norm for such events. Hardly will a doctor be seen swinging a set of charged paddles through the air jeopardizing co-workers in the process…except in the movies. This is good news for those on the receiving end of ACLS interventions.
Outcomes are supportive of the heroic efforts made by pre-hospital and trained hospital personnel utilizing ACLS protocols in resuscitation interventions. Fortunately, it isn’t as theatrical as the movies would have you believe. So, enjoy the hype of the Hollywood film industry when the call to “clear” is shouted from your TV set and know deep down that in reality, you are safe from Hollywood’s version of the “Code Blue”.




Superstitions, Friday the Thirteenth, and ACLS Classes
We’ve safely made it past that day, the first of this year (there will be three total in 2012) and having successfully navigated past the first Friday the 13th of this year, ask yourself one question: Do you find yourself suffering from symptoms of paraskevidekatriaphobia?
Perhaps you may not recognize these symptoms initially but with some astute attentiveness, you may become aware of them. A few are listed here:
All or some of the above can indicate you suffer from the annual paraskevidekatriaphobia syndrome, typically seen on Friday the 13th. Fortunately, this syndrome is not fatal (although those who suffer from the syndrome may believe otherwise). You may have heard it more commonly referred to by its street name – “Superstitious”.
Studies have been inconclusive regarding the frequency of this syndrome, as some individuals manage symptoms on a daily basis while others experience its effects only on specific dates (Friday the 13th). Movies have been created with this syndrome in mind although purely fictitious in content. What is conclusive is the longevity of paraskevidekatriaphobia’s presence, dating as far back as the earliest recorded history and the syndrome knows no cultural boundaries (think of ancient Mayan rituals and Caribbean salt lines drawn across doorways). This would suggest that everyone is susceptible and no one immune.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prepare for that inevitable moment when you may come face-to-face with an unlucky event. ACLS Classes in Orange County are open to the public and will train anyone seeking basic life support and first aid skills. Fun, friendly and helpful instructors will allow you to walk away ready for what may happen next. Tuck your non-latex gloves in your pocket next to your rabbit’s foot and smile…superstitious Friday the 13th isn’t really so scary after all.