Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

Shockable vs non-shockable rhythms?

Answer 1

Shockable - VT and VF.
Non-shockable - asystole or PEA.

Question 2

Ratio of chest compressions to ventilation?

Answer 2

30:2

Question 3

When to administer adrenaline in cardiac arrest?

Answer 3

Non shockable - 1mg given ASAP.
Shockable - 1mg given after 3rd shock.
Repeat adrenaline 1mg every 3-5 mins.

Question 4

When to administer amiodarone in cardiac arrest?

Answer 4

300mg given after the third shock if in VT/VF.
150mg given after 5th shock.
Lidocaine can be used as an alternative

Question 5

What are the reversible causes of cardiac arrest?

Answer 5

4 Hs and 4 Ts:
Hypoxia,
Hypovolaemia,
Hyperkalamia/hypokalaemia/hypoglycaemia/hypocalcaemia, acidaemia,
Hypothermia

Thrombosis (coronary or pulmonary),
Tension pneumothorax,
Tamponade,
Toxins