Cardiac Arrest: Difference between revisions

==Advanced Life Support (ALS)==

BLS the cornerstone to the treatment of cardiac arrest. Early and high quality CPR is critical to survival. In the hospital setting trained experts and technical equipment can facilitate cardiac arrest management. In case of a witnessed cardiac arrest caused by VT/VF in a monitored setting, three successive shocks followed by immediate CPR may be considered. If no defibrillation options are available and a precordial thump can be given in the first few seconds after the cardiac arrest. It can not cause delay of the resuscitation attempt. The only intervention besides proper BLS and early defibrillation to increase survival is the administration of adrenaline. The ALS protocol deviates into two strategies encountered in the setting of cardiac arrest; a shock protocol and no-shock protocol. During both protocols it is important to establish intravascular access as soon as possible, as an alternative intraosseous injection of drugs can be performed. Furthermore assessment of airway management and ventilation is essential. Oxygen should be administered as soon as possible and be titrated to the arterial blood oxygen saturation. Tracheal intubation is the optimal method of providing and maintaining a clear and secure airway. Intubation should be performed by experienced personnel to reduce complications and delay between intubation and chest compressions. When there is return of spontaneous circulation the resuscitation team should stabilize the patient to prevent recurrence of cardiac arrest.<cite>Deakin4</Cite>