Adult Cardiopulmonary Arrest

Question 1

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT ADULT

Answer 1

1. Check for Danger
2. Check for responsiveness
   * shake shoulders, shout in ear
3. Call for help
   * 999/2222
4. Check airway

• Jaw thrust
• Head tilt & chin lift

5. Check breathing (and check pulse)

• Look, listen, feel
• 10 secs

6. Start chest compression (x30)

• 100/min
• 5-6cm depth
• allow chest recoil

7. Rescue breaths (x2)
8. Repeat 6 & 7

Question 2

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT: PAEDIATRIC

Answer 2

1. Check for Danger
2. Check responsiveness
   * Pinch or flick (never shake)
3. Call for Help
   * Paediatric cardiac arrest
4. Check airway

• Infant: head neutral position
• Child: small head tilt chin lift

5. Check breathing
6. Rescue breaths (x5)

• Infant: Over mouth and nose
• Child
• Just enough volume for chest to arise

7. Check for pulse/signs of life

• Infant: Brachial
• Child: Carotid

8. Chest compressions

• 15 compressions
• Infant: two fingers
• Child: one hand

9. Continue 7 & 8. If possible pick baby up and walk towards help.

Question 3

What are the reversible causes of cardiac arrest?

(4 x Hs & 4 x Ts)

Answer 3

• Hypoxia
• Hypovolaemia
• Hypothermia
• Hyperkalaemia (and other metabolic derrangements)
• Tension Pneumothorax
• Toxins
• Tamponade
• Thromboembolism

Question 4

What are the guidelines for advanced life support for shockable rhythm?

Answer 4

SHOCKABLE RHYTHM = VT & VF

• BLS
• Assess Rhythm
• 1 Shock
• Resume BLS for 2 mins before next shock
• After 3rd shock = Give adrenaline 1 mg IV and amiodarone 300 mg IV
• Give further adrenaline 1 mg IV after alternate shocks

Question 5

What are the guidelines for advanced life support non-shockable rhythms?

Answer 5

NON-SHOCKABLE = asystole or pulseless electrical activity

• Standard BLS
• GIVE adrenaline 1 mg IV as soon as venous access
• Repeat adrenaline 1 mg IV alternate BLS cycles