Termination of resuscitation

Question 1

Resuscitation started in the field may be discontinued only by a telemetry physician order when the following conditions have been met: MEDICAL ARREST

Answer 1

The patient remains in persistent asystole or agonal rhythm after twenty (20) minutes of appropriate Paramedic resuscitation, to include:

1) CPR
2) Effective ventilation with 100% oxygenation
3) Administration of appropriate ACLS medications

Question 2

Resuscitation started in the field may be discontinued only by a telemetry physician order when the following conditions have been met: TRAUMATIC ARREST

Answer 2

1) Open airway with basic life support measures
2) Provide CPR and effective ventilations with 100% oxygenation for two (2) minutes
3) Perform bilateral needle thoracentesis if tension pneumothorax suspected
4) Confirm no organized rhythm or a PEA <40.

Question 3

The patient develops, or is found to have one of the following conclusive signs of death at any point during the resuscitative effort:

Answer 3

1) Lividity

2) Rigor mortis