Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

What will you find on a history of Cardiac Arrest

Answer 1

Symptoms:
Loss of consciousness
Not breathing
Pulseless

Differentials:
Respiratory arrest – There will still be a pulse
Shock with collapse – Pulses are weak and can be missed, check carotids

Question 2

What is the treatment of a Cardiac Arrest?

Answer 2

Resuscitation:
A-E approach
Get help – Call crash team 2222
Start Chest Compressions and get defibrillator
In shockable rhythm – 200 joules biphasic  300 joules after 2 mins  360 after further 2 minutes  1mg IV adrenaline + amiodarone
Non-shockable rhythm – 1mg IV adrenaline
Get IV Access/Give O2 to maintain saturations of 94+ /Attach 12 lead ECG
Assessment with AMPLE history and brief examination
Frequent Observations – Constant monitoring

Medical:
MI - PCI
Cardiac Tamponade – Fluid drain
Tension pneumothorax – Needle aspiration 
Hypovolaemic Shock - Fluids
Respiratory problems - Oxygen
Electrolyte imbalances – Fix the imbalances 
Stroke – Alteplase
PE – Heparin