All::Emergencies::Cardiac Arrest

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What are the two categories of rhythms into which patients are divided during a cardiac arrest?

'Shockable' rhythms: VF/pulseless VT and 'non-shockable' rhythms: asystole/PEA

Cardiac Arrest

In ALS what is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to ventilation?

30:2

Cardiac Arrest

What happens with chest compressions when the defibrillator is charging?

They continue

Cardiac Arrest

In VF/pulseless VT, shocks are followed by how many minutes of CPR?

Single shock followed by 2 minutes of CPR

Cardiac Arrest

What is recommended if a cardiac arrest is witnessed in a monitored patient in a coronary care unit?

'Up to three quick successive (stacked) shocks'

Cardiac Arrest

What is the first-line route for drug delivery during a cardiac arrest?

IV access

Cardiac Arrest

If IV access cannot be achieved, what is the alternative route for drug delivery?

Intraosseous route (IO)

Cardiac Arrest

Is the delivery of drugs via a tracheal tube recommended during a cardiac arrest?

No, it is no longer recommended

Cardiac Arrest

When should adrenaline 1 mg be given for non-shockable rhythms?

As soon as possible

Cardiac Arrest

When should adrenaline 1 mg be given during a VF/VT cardiac arrest?

Once chest compressions have restarted after the third shock

Cardiac Arrest

How often should adrenaline 1 mg be repeated during ALS for VF/VT cardiac arrest?

Every 3-5 minutes

Cardiac Arrest

When should amiodarone 300 mg be given for VF/pulseless VT?

After 3 shocks have been administered

Cardiac Arrest

When should a further dose of amiodarone 150 mg be given for VF/pulseless VT?

After 5 shocks have been administered

Cardiac Arrest

What can be used as an alternative to amiodarone if not available?

Lidocaine

Cardiac Arrest

When should thrombolytic drugs be considered?

If a pulmonary embolus is suspected

Cardiac Arrest

How long should CPR be continued if thrombolytic drugs are given?

60-90 minutes

Cardiac Arrest

Is atropine recommended for routine use in asystole or PEA?

No, it is no longer recommended

Cardiac Arrest

What are the reversible causes of cardiac arrest?

The H's

  • Hypoxia
  • Hypovolaemia
  • Hyperkalaemia, hypokalaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia, acidaemia and other metabolic disorders
  • Hypothermia

The T's

  • Thrombosis (coronary or pulmonary)
  • Tension pneumothorax
  • Tamponade – cardiac
  • Toxins

Cardiac Arrest