Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Rapid diagnostic tools available to the emergency physician caring for cardiac arrest patients are limited. Focused ultrasound (US), and in particular, focused echocardiography, is a useful tool in the evaluation of patients in cardiac arrest. ⋯ US may also be used to aid in procedural guidance. Recently, focused transesophageal echocardiography has been used in the emergency department setting.
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Sudden cardiac arrest has a large public health impact, especially, because its incidence continues to increase across the globe. Data for low-to-middle income countries is incomplete. CPR training and automatic external defibrillator availability are important points for focusing future efforts.
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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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This article reviews the epidemiology and management of in-hospital cardiac arrest.
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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.