Cardiac arrest

Question 1

Cardiac arrest definition

Answer 1

Cessation of cardiac mechanical activity as confirmed by the absence of signs of circulation

Question 2

Chain of survival

Answer 2

1. Surveillance and prevention (in hospital setting)
2. Early access
3. Early CPR
4. Early defibrillation
5. Early advanced care
6. Post resuscitation management

Question 3

Importance of CPR

Answer 3

Increase coronary perfusion pressure
- Higher CPP correlates to higher rates of ROSC

Question 4

CPP

Answer 4

CPP = Aortic pressure (diastole) - Right atrial pressure (diastole)
- Goal is to increase aortic pressure and minimise right atrial pressure

Question 5

Increase aortic pressure (diastole)

Answer 5

Hard and fast chest compressions to increase aortic pressures

Question 6

Minimise right atrial pressure

Answer 6

Complete chest recoil allows right atrial pressure to fall to their lowest point during relaxation