Initial action in a cardiac arrest
Is the patient unresponsive?
Then open airway, look for signs of life (call Resuscitation Team)
CPR 30:2 Until defibrillator / monitor attached.
Once the monitor is attached the ECG diagnosis can be made.
The algorithm splits into two:
- shockable (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pulseless VT))
- non-shockable (pulseless electrical activity and asystole)
Notes:
If a collapse is witnessed a precordial thump may be given while the monitor/defibillator is being attached.
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