Pre-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

What non technical skills does pre-hospital cardiac arrest need?

Answer 1

Teamwork

Leadership

Situational awareness

Decision-Making

Question 2

Positions in pre-hospital cardiac arrest?

Answer 2

1. Airway
2. Chest compressions and defibrillation
3. Chest compressions and IV access/drugs
4. Team leader

Question 3

Recognition of life extinct - when not to start resuscitation?

Answer 3

Decapitation

Massive cranial and cerebral dysfunction

Hemicorporectomy

Incineration (>95% burns)

Decomposition

Rigor mortis and hypostasis

Valid DNACPR

Question 4

When to stop resuscitation - asystole?

Answer 4

Persistent asystole for 20 minutes and all reversible causes identified and corrected

Unless <18, drowning, hypothermia, poisoning, overdose, pregnancy - transfer to nearest facility

Question 5

When to stop resuscitation - PEA?

Answer 5

Difficult decision but generally poor outcomes

Again 20 minutes and continuing is futile