The Post Cardiac Arrest Debrief Checklist is used to promote individual and team self-reflection after a resuscitation. The goal is to improve performance on the next resuscitation and hopefully patient outcomes.
The checklist can be led by any of the team members and should include all participating members of the resuscitation.
The purpose of the checklist is to improve technical performance. It is not a tool for debriefing Critical Incident Stress situations or conflict resolution. These situations should be referred to the Critical Incident Stress debriefing team (1-855-969-4321) and/or supervisory staff where appropriate.
Was 360 degrees access to patient established if possible?
Were AED/Monitor, suction, jump bags placed in appropriate locations if possible?
Team leader clearly identified.
Clearly defined roles assigned.
Closed loop Communication.
Clear directions given.
Did everyone know each other’s names?
If the patient arrested in front of EMS personnel was the arrest recognized and treated without delay?
Was the first defibrillation applied as soon as possible.
Were the key features of High Performance CPR assessed and re-assessed throughout the resuscitation including:
Optimum CPR Rate (100-120/minute).
Optimum depth of compression (Adult 2 inches, 5 CM).
Complete chest recoil.
Ventilations provided once every 6 seconds (no more, no less).
Rhythm and pulses assessed every two minutes with hands off time for pulse/rhythm checks no greater than 10 seconds.
Compressors rotated out every two minutes, with a new compressor ready to go at the end of each cycle?
Was the underlying rhythm Identified and managed appropriately.
Was the metronome used on the monitor.
Was someone assigned to time two-minute intervals?
Was vascular access achieved (IV/IO) and was it definitely patent.
Were the right drugs given at the right dose and right time.
Were all the reversible causes considered (Hs and Ts).
Was a rescue airway, bougie and King Vision prepared and available prior to attempting intubation.
Was the right tube used (ET VS. Extraglotic) and was it done at the right time?
Was tube placement confirmed with continuous waveform capnography, bilateral air entry, negative epigastric sounds and continuous waveform capnography?
Were post arrest vitals obtained including: LOC, HR, BP, RR, SPo2, ETCO2, 12 Lead ECG.
Was the Post Arrest CHECKLIST used?
What was done well?
What was done poorly?
What can we improve upon?
What have we learned?
Was anything not addressed in the checklist?
Were crew members made aware of the option to contact the CIS debriefing team?