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Cardiac Arrest Treatable Causes
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Cause |
Treatments |
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Hypoxia Asthma COPD CHF Anaphylaxis Tension pneumothorax |
2 person BVM High flow nasal cannula Early intubation Consider 5cm PEEP
Inline suctioning MDI Ventolin Consider bilateral needle decompression
PRE/POST ARREST Target 94% SpO2 Position 45o Consider 5cm PEEP (unless COPD)
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Hypovolemia Trauma GI bleed Ruptured AAA |
Early transport 2 large bore IVs Fluid bolus (500 mL+) Control bleeding
PRE/POST ARREST Consider TXA for occult bleeding Position recumbent Target 70-90 mmHg systolic
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H+(acidosis) DKA Sepsis Post-workout |
Sodium Bicarbonate Calcium Fluid bolus (500 mL) Ventilate 14-16/min
PRE/POST ARREST Prioritize ventilation Consider detaching BVM from ETT
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Hyperkalemia Kidney failure Pressure sores Crush injury Burns |
Calcium Sodium Bicarb Fluid bolus (500ml)
PRE/POST ARREST Consider Ventolin Consider treatment consult Avoid atropine for bradycardia
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Hypothermia As cause not result Submersion Cold weather Found on floor |
Transport early Consider ECMO facility 1mg Epi max 3 doses 3 Defibrillations max, after which don't stop to analyze rhythms intra-arrest Ventilate 8-10 Longer pulse checks No rewarming <30oC
PRE/POST ARREST Gentle handling Delayed intubation to avoid stimulus Supine position >30oC: passive rewarming <30oC: prevent further heat loss
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Toxins Ingestion Injection Inhalation ↓ excretion |
Appropriate antidote Poison Control 1-800-567-8911 Consider early transport
PRE/POST ARREST Gather pills Consider Tango or CCT for cyanide antidote
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Tamponade (cardiac) Post cardiac surgery Infectious IVDU Trauma |
Early transport Fluid bolus (500ml)
PRE/POST ARREST Upright position for drainage
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Tension Pneumothorax Trauma COPD Asthma Marfan's |
Needle decompression Gentle ventilation Avoid PEEP
PRE/POST ARREST Watch BP Monitor for re-tensioning
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Thrombosis – pulmonary Sudden death IVDU Pregnancy Fractures Flights Bed rest Cancer |
Recognize! Early transport Fluid bolus (250ml)
PRE/POST ARREST Rapid transport Conservative fluid
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Thrombosis – coronary Sudden death CAD Hx |
Standard ACLS
PRE/POST ARREST Rapid transport Pads on for pre-arrest patient 12-lead ECG 5-10 min post-arrest
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Updated 22 Oct 2023 to align with Hypothermia Guideline