Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is predicated on a community and system-wide approach that includes rapid recognition of cardiac arrest, capable bystander CPR, effective basic and advanced life support (BLS and ALS) by EMS providers, and coordinated postresuscitation care. Management of these critically ill patients continues to evolve. This article focuses on the management of OHCA by EMS providers.
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There is no single resuscitation strategy that will uniformly improve cardiac arrest outcomes. Traditional vital signs cannot be relied on in cardiac arrest, and the use of continuous capnography, regional cerebral tissue oxygenation, and continuous arterial monitoring are options for use early defibrillation are critical elements of resuscitation. Cardio-cerebral perfusion may be improved with the use of active compression-decompression CPR, an impedance threshold device, and head-up CPR. In refractory shockable arrest, if ECPR is not an option, consider changing defibrillator pad placement and/or double defibrillation, additional medication options, and possibly stellate ganglion block.
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Appropriate airway management is critical to successful cardiac arrest resuscitation. However, the timing and method of airway management during cardiac arrest have traditionally been guided by expert and consensus opinion informed by observational data. In the last 5 years, recent studies, including several randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have provided additional clarity to help guide airway management. This article will review both current data and guidelines for airway management in cardiac arrest, a stepwise approach to airway management, the utility of various airway adjuncts, and best practices for oxygenation and ventilation in the peri-arrest period.
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The effectiveness of pharmacologic management of cardiac arrest patients is widely debated; however, several studies published in the past 5 years have begun to clarify some of these issues. This article covers the current state of evidence for the effectiveness of the vasopressor epinephrine and the combination of vasopressin-steroids-epinephrine and antiarrhythmic medications amiodarone and lidocaine and reviews the role of other medications such as calcium, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium, and atropine in cardiac arrest care. We additionally review the role of β-blockers for refractory pulseless ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation and thrombolytics in undifferentiated cardiac arrest and suspected fatal pulmonary embolism.
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Resuscitations are complex events that require teamwork to succeed. In addition to the technical skills involved, a host of nontechnical skills are critical for optimal medical care delivery. ⋯ Debriefing after the event helps identify learning points to carry forward for the next resuscitation. Support of the team providing this intense form of care is crucial to protect the mental health and function of providers.