2. BASIC LIFE SUPPORT
General concepts of BLS include:
ā¢ Quickly starting the Chain of Survival.
ā¢ Delivering high-quality chest compressions for adults, children, and infants.
ā¢ Knowing where to locate and understanding how to use an Automated External
Defibrillator (AED).
ā¢ Providing rescue breathing when appropriate.
ā¢ Understanding how to perform as a team.
ā¢ Knowing how to treat choking.
5. Pediatric Chain of Survival
ļµ Emergencies in children and infants are not usually caused by the heart.
Children and infants most often have breathing problems that trigger cardiac
arrest. The first and most important step of the Pediatric Chain of Survival is
prevention.
8. ONE-RESCUER BLS/CPR FOR ADULTS
Be Safe
ā¢ If inside, watch for dangers such as construction debris, unsecured
weapons, violent individuals, electrical hazards.
ā¢ If outside, watch out for downed electrical wires, leaking fuel from car
accidents, buildingcollapse, or natural disaster/dangerous weather
conditions. (Drowning persons should beremoved from the water and
dried off; they should also be removed from standing water, such as
puddles, pools, gutters, etc.).
ā¢ Be sure you do not become injured yourself.
Assess the Person
ā¢ Tap hard on their shoulder and shout āHey, are you OK?ā Yell their
name if you know it.
ā¢ Check to see if the person is breathing. (Agonal breathing, which is
occasional gasping and is
ā¢ ineffective, does not count as breathing.
9. Call EMS
ā¢ Send someone for help and to get an AED.
ā¢ If alone, call for help while assessing for breathing and pulse. (The
ILCOR emphasizes that cell phones are available everywhere now and
most have a built-in speakerphone. Call for help without leaving the
person.)
CPR
ā¢ Check pulse simultaneously with checking for breathing. Do not pause
more than 10 seconds to check for breathing and pulse.
ā¢ Begin chest compressions and delivering breaths.
Defibrillate
ā¢ Attach the AED when available.
ā¢ Listen and perform the steps as directed
10. CPR Steps for Adults
ļµ 1. Check for the carotid pulse on the side of the neck (Figure 4a). Keep in
mind not to waste time trying to feel for a pulse; feel for no more than 10
seconds. If you are not sure you feel a pulse, begin CPR with a cycle of 30
chest compressions and two breaths.
ļµ 2. Use the heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum in the middle of
the chest (Figure 4b).
ļµ 3. Put your other hand on top of the first hand (Figure 4b)
11. 4. Straighten your arms and press straight down (Figure 4c). Compressions should
be 2 to 2.4ā (5 to 6 cm) into the personās chest and at a rate of 100 to 120
compressions per minute.
5. Be sure that between each compression you completely stop pressing on the
chest and allow the chest wall to return to its natural position. Leaning or resting
on the chest between compressions can keep the heart from refilling in between
each compression and make CPR less effective.
12. After 30 compressions, stop compressions and open the airway by tilting the head
and lifting the chin (Figure 4d & 4e).
a. Put your hand on the personās forehead and tilt the head back.
b. Lift the personās jaw by placing your index and middle fingers on the lower
jaw; lift up.
c. Do not perform the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver if you suspect the person may
have a neck injury. In that case, the jaw-thrust is used.
d. For the jaw-thrust maneuver, grasp the angles of the lower jaw and lift it with
both hands, one on each side, moving the jaw forward. If their lips are closed,
open the lower lip using your thumb (Figure 4f)
13. 7. Give a breath while watching the chest rise. Repeat while giving a second
breath. Breaths should be delivered over one second.
8. Resume chest compressions. Switch quickly between compressions and rescue
breaths to minimize interruptions in chest compressions
14. TWO-RESCUER BLS/CPR FOR ADULTS
ļµ 1. The second rescuer prepares the AED for use.
ļµ 2. You begin chest compressions and count the compressions out loud.
ļµ 3. The second rescuer applies the AED pads.
ļµ 4. The second rescuer opens the personās airway and gives rescue breaths.
ļµ 5. Switch roles after every five cycles of compressions and breaths
ļµ 6. Be sure to allow the chest wall to return to its natural position.
ļµ 7. Quickly switch between roles to minimize interruptions in delivering chest
compressions.
ļµ 8. When the AED is connected, minimize interruptions of CPR by switching
rescuers while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm. If a shock is indicated,
minimize interruptions in CPR. Resume CPR as soon as possible with chest
compressions.
15. ADULT MOUTH-TO-MASK VENTILATION
In one-rescuer CPR, breaths should be supplied using a pocket mask, if available.
1. Give 30 high-quality chest compressions.
2. Seal the mask against the personās face by placing four fingers of one hand
across the top of the mask and the thumb of the other hand along the bottom
edge of the mask (Figure 5a).
16. 3. Using the fingers of your hand on the bottom of the mask, open the airway
using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver. (Donāt do this if you suspect the person
may have a neck injury) (Figure 5b).
4. Press firmly around the edges of the mask and ventilate by delivering a breath
over one second as you watch the personās chest rise (Figure 5c)
17. ADULT BAG-MASK VENTILATION IN TWO-
RESCUER CPR
ļµ If two people are present and a bag-mask device is available, the second
rescuer is positioned at the victimās head while the other rescuer performs
high-quality chest compressions. Give 30 highquality chest compressions.
ļµ 1. Deliver 30 high-quality chest compressions while counting out loud (Figure
6a).
ļµ 2. The second rescuer holds the bag-mask with one hand using the thumb and
index finger in the shape of a āCā on one side of the mask to form a seal
between the mask and the face, while the other fingers open the airway by
lifting the personās lower jaw (Figure 6b).
18. 3. The second rescuer gives two breaths over one second each as you watch the
personās chest rise (Figure 6c).
4. Practice using the bag valve mask; it is essential to forming a tight seal and
delivering effective breaths
19.
20. BLS FOR CHILDREN/INFANTS
ļµ ONE-RESCUER BLS/CPR FOR CHILDREN (AGE 1 TO PUBERTY)
ļµ Be Safe
ļµ Assess the Child
ļµ Call EMS
ļµ CPR
Begin CPR with chest compressions and delivering breaths in a ratio of 15:2.
ļµ Defibrillate
Attach the AED when it becomes available. Use pediatric pads for children under
the age of 8and less than 55 pounds (25 kg).ā¢ Listen to the AED and perform the
steps as directed.
21. CPR STEPS FOR CHILDREN
1. Use the heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum in the middle of the
chest.
2. Put your other hand on top of the first hand.
3. Straighten your arms and press straight down. Compressions should be about two
inches (5 cm) into the childās chest and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per
minute.
4. Be sure that between each compression you completely stop pressing on the chest
and allow the chest wall to return to its natural position. Leaning or resting on the
chest betweencompressions can keep the heart from refilling in between each
compression and make CPRless effective
22. 5. After 15 compressions, stop compressions and open the airway by tilting the
head and lifting the chin.
a. Put your hand on the childās forehead and tilt the head back. Lift the childās
jaw by placing your index and middle fingers on the lower jaw; lift up.
b. Do not perform the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver if you suspect the child may
havea neck injury. In that case, the jaw-thrust is used. Lift the childās jaw by
placingyour index and middle fingers on the lower jaw; lift straight up. If their
lips are closed, open the lower lip using your thumb.
6. Give a breath while watching the chest rise. Repeat while giving a second
breath. Breaths should be delivered over one second.
7. Resume chest compressions. Switch quickly between compressions and rescue
breaths to minimize interruptions in chest compressions.
23. CPR STEPS FOR INFANTS
1. Place 2 or 3 fingers of one hand on the sternum in the
middle of the nipple line (Figure 47).
2. Press straight down. Compressions should be 1.5 inches
(4 cm) into the infantās chest (or about 1/3 the diameter
of the chest) and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per
Minute
3.Allow complete chest recoil
4. After 15 compressions, stop compressions and open the airway by tilting the
head and lifting the chin.
24. a. Put your hand on the infantās forehead and tilt the head back. Lift the
infantās jaw by placing your index and middle fingers on the lower jaw; lift up.
Aim for a
neutral neck position and do not overextend the neck.
b. Do not perform the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver if you suspect the infant
may
have a neck injury. In that case, the jaw-thrust is used. Lift the infantās jaw by
placing your index and middle fingers on the lower jaw; lift straight up. If their
lips are closed, open the lower lip using your thumb.
5. Give a breath while watching the chest rise. Repeat while giving a second
breath. Breaths should be delivered over one second.
6. Resume chest compressions. Switch quickly between compressions and rescue
breaths to minimize interruptions in chest compressions
25. CHILD/INFANT MOUTH-TO-MASK VENTILATION
In one-rescuer CPR, breaths should be supplied using a pediatric pocket mask, if
available.
1. Deliver 15 high-quality chest compressions while counting out loud.
2. Seal the mask against the childās face by placing four fingers of one hand
across the top of the mask and the thumb of the other hand along the bottom
edge of the mask (Figure 48).
3. Using the fingers of your hand on the bottom of the mask, open the airway
using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver. (Donāt do this if you suspect the child may
have a neck injury).
4. Press firmly around the edges of the mask and ventilate by delivering a breath
over one second as you watch the childās chest rise.
5. Practice using the pocket mask; it is essential to form a tight seal in delivering
effective
30. BASIC AIRWAY ADJUNCTS
ļµ OROPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY (OPA)
ļµ NASOPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY (NPA)
ļµ SUCTIONING
ā¢ Only use an OPA in unresponsive individuals with NO cough or gag reflex.
Otherwise, an OPA may stimulate vomiting, laryngeal spasm, or aspiration.
ā¢ An NPA can be used in conscious individuals with intact cough and gag reflex.
However, use carefully in individuals with facial trauma due to the risk of
displacement.
ā¢ Keep in mind that the individual is not receiving 100% oxygen while suctioning.
Interrupt suctioning and administer oxygen if any deterioration in clinical
picture is observed during suctioning
31. BASIC AIRWAY TECHNIQUE
INSERTING AN OPA
STEP 1: Clear the mouth of blood and secretions with suction if possible.
STEP 2: Select an airway device that is the correct size for the person.
ā¢ Too large of an airway device can damage the throat.
ā¢ Too small of an airway device can press the tongue into the airway.
STEP 3: Place the device at the side of the personās face. Choose the device that
extends from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe.
STEP 4: Insert the device into the mouth so the point is toward the roof of the
mouth or parallel tothe teeth.ā¢ Do not press the tongue back into the throat.
STEP 5: Once the device is almost fully inserted, turn it until the tongue is
cupped by the interior curve of the device
32. INSERTING AN NPA
STEP 1: Select an airway device that is the correct size for the person.
STEP 2: Place the device at the side of the personās face. Choose the device that
extends from the tip of the nose to the earlobe. Use the largest diameter device
that will fit.
STEP 3: Lubricate the airway with a water-soluble lubricant or anesthetic jelly.
STEP 4: Insert the device slowly, moving straight into the face (not toward the
brain).
STEP 5: It should feel snug; do not force the device into the nostril. If it feels
stuck, remove it and try the other nostril.
33. ā¢ OPAs too large or too small may obstruct the airway.
ā¢ NPAs sized incorrectly may enterthe esophagus.
ā¢ Always check for spontaneous respirations after insertionof either device
34. TIPS ON SUCTIONING
ā¢ When suctioning the oropharynx, do not insert the catheter too deeply. Extend the
catheter to the maximum safe depth and suction as you withdraw.
ā¢ When suctioning an endotracheal (ET) tube, keep in mind the tube is within the
trachea and that you may be suctioning near the bronchi or lung. Therefore, sterile
technique should be used.
ā¢ Each suction attempt should be for no longer than 10 seconds. Remember the
person will not get oxygen during suctioning.
ā¢ Monitor vital signs during suctioning and stop suctioning immediately if the person
experiences hypoxemia (oxygen sats less than 94%), has a new arrhythmia or becomes
cyanotic
35. ADVANCED AIRWAY ADJUNCTS
ļµ ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE
ļµ LARYNGEAL MASK AIRWAY
ļµ LARYNGEAL TUBE
ļµ ESOPHAGEAL-TRACHEAL TUBE
ā¢ During CPR, the chest compression to ventilation rate for adults is 30:2.
ā¢ If advanced airway is placed, do not interrupt chest compressions for breaths.
Give one breath every 6 seconds with continuous chest compressions.
36. ROUTES OF ACCESS
ļµ INTRAVENOUS ROUTE
If a drug is given via peripheral route of administration, do the following:
1. Intravenously push bolus injection (unless otherwise indicated).
2. Flush with 20 mL of fluid or saline.
3. Raise extremity for 10 to 20 seconds to enhance delivery of drug to
circulation.
ļµ INTRAOSSEOUS ROUTE
Drugs and fluids can be delivered safely and effectively during resuscitation via
the IO route if IV access is not available.
IO access can be used for all age groups, can be placed in less than one minute,
and has more predictable absorption than the ET route
56. AIRWAY MANAGEMENT
ā¢ Early placement of advanced airway
ā¢ Manage respiratory parameters:
- Keep 10 breaths per minute
- Pulse Ox goal 92-98%
- Titrate to PaCO2 35-45 mm Hg
- Waveform capnography (capnometry) to confirm ETT placement
57. BLOOD PRESSURE SUPPORT AND
VASOPRESSORS
ā¢ Obtain early ECG.
ā¢ Consider blood pressure support in any individual with systolic blood pressure
less than
90 mmHg or mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than 65.
ā¢ Unless contraindicated, 1 to 2 liters of IV saline or Lactated Ringerās is the first
intervention.
ā¢ When blood pressure is very low, consider vasopressors
- Epinephrine is the pressor of choice for individuals who are not in cardiac
arrest.
- Dopamine and phenylephrine are alternatives to epinephrine.
- Norepinephrine is generally reserved for severe hypotension or as a last-line
agent.
ā¢ Titrate the infusion rate to maintain the desired blood pressure.
The PostāCardiac Arrest Care Algorithm (Figure 30) was updated to emphasize the
need to prevent hyperoxia, hypoxemia, and hypotension
58. HYPOTHERMIA
ļµ Hypothermia is the only documented intervention that improves/enhances
brain recovery after cardiac arrest.
ļµ Induced hypothermia can be performed in unresponsive individuals and
should be continued for at least 24 hours.
ļµ The goal of induced hypothermia is to maintain a core body temperature
between 89.6 to 96.8 degrees F (32 to 36 degrees C) for at least 24 hours
professionals.
ļµ Induced hypothermia should not affect the decision to perform percutaneous
coronary intervention (PCI), because concurrent PCI and hypothermia are
reported to be feasible and safe
63. SYMPTOMATIC BRADYCARDIA
ļµ Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute
ļµ SYMPTOMS OF BRADYCARDIA
ā¢ Shortness of breath
ā¢ Altered mental status
ā¢ Hypotension
ā¢ Pulmonary edema/congestion
ā¢ Weakness/dizziness/lightheadedness
64. ļµ SYMPTOMATIC BRADYCARDIA REVIEW
Sinus Bradycardia
ā¢ Normal rhythm with slow rate
First Degree AV Block
ā¢ PR interval is longer than 0.20 seconds
Type I Second Degree AV Block
ā¢ PR interval increases in length until QRS complex is dropped
Type II Second Degree AV Block
ā¢ Constant PR intervals (may be prolonged) before a random QRS is dropped
Third Degree AV Block
ā¢ PR and QRS are not coordinated with each other
65.
66. TACHYCARDIA
Tachycardia is a heart rate of greater than 100 beats per minute.
ā¢ Tachycardia is classified as stable or unstable.
ā¢ Heart rates greater than or equal to 150 beats per minute usually cause
symptoms.
ā¢ Unstable tachycardia always requires prompt attention.
ā¢ Stable tachycardia can become unstable
67. SYMPTOMS OF TACHYCARDIA
ā¢ Hypotension
ā¢ Sweating
ā¢ Pulmonary edema/congestion
ā¢ Jugular venous distension
ā¢ Chest pain/discomfort
ā¢ Shortness of breath
ā¢ Weakness/dizziness/lightheadedness
ā¢ Altered mental state
68. SYMPTOMATIC TACHYCARDIA WITH HEART
RATE > 150 BPM
1. If the individual is unstable, provide immediate synchronized cardioversion
2. Assess the individualās hemodynamic status and begin treatment by
establishing IV, giving supplementary oxygen and monitoring the heart.
3. Assess the QRS Complex.
NOTEā¦ā¦..
If at any point you become uncertain or uncomfortable during the treatment of a
stable patient, seek expert consultation.
Adenosine may cause bronchospasm; therefore, adenosine should be given with
caution to patients with asthma.
Synchronized cardioversion is appropriate for treating wide complex tachycardia
of unknown type. Prepare for synchronized cardioversion as soon as a wide
complex tachycardia is detected
69. REGULAR NARROW COMPLEX TACHYCARDIA
(PROBABLE SVT)
ā¢ Attempt vagal maneuvers.
ā¢ Obtain 12-lead ECG; consider expert consultation.
ā¢ Adenosine 6 mg rapid IVP; if no conversion, give 12 mg IVP
(second dose); may attempt 12 mg once
70. IRREGULAR NARROW COMPLEX TACHYCARDIA (PROBABLE A-FIB)
ā¢ Obtain 12-lead ECG; consider expert consultation.
ā¢ Control rate with diltiazem 15 to 20 mg (0.25 mg/kg) IV over two minutes or
beta-blockers.
REGULAR WIDE COMPLEX TACHYCARDIA (PROBABLE VT)
ā¢ Obtain 12-lead ECG; consider expert consultation.
ā¢ Convert rhythm using amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 minutes.
ā¢ Perform elective cardioversion.
IRREGULAR WIDE COMPLEX TACHYCARDIA
ā¢ Obtain 12-lead ECG; consider expert consultation.
ā¢ Consider anti-arrhythmic.
ā¢ If Torsades de Pointes, give magnesium sulfate 1 to 2 gm IV; may follow with
0.5 to 1 gm over 60 minutes.
87. Major new changes include the following
ā¢ The importance of early initiation of CPR by lay rescuers has been re-
emphasized.
ā¢ Previous recommendations about epinephrine administration have been
reaffirmed, with emphasis on early epinephrine administration.
ā¢ Use of real-time audio visual feedback is suggested as a means to maintain
CPR quality.
ā¢ Continuously measuring arterial blood pressure and end tidal carbon dioxide
(ETCO2) during ACLS resuscitation may be useful to improve CPR quality.
88. ā¢ On the basis of the most recent evidence, routine use of double sequential
defibrillation is not recommended.
ā¢ Intravenous (IV) access is the preferred route of medication administration
during ACLS resuscitation. Intraosseous (IO) access is acceptable if IV access is
not available.
ā¢ Care of the patient after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) requires
close attention to oxygenation, blood pressure control, evaluation for
percutaneous coronary intervention, targeted temperature management, and
multimodal neuroprognostication.
89. ā¢ Because recovery from cardiac arrest continues long after the initial
hospitalization, patients should have formal assessment and support for their
physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs.
ā¢ After resuscitation, debriefing for lay rescuers, EMS providers, and hospital-
based health care workers may be beneficial to support their mental health and well-
being.
ā¢ Management of cardiac arrest in pregnancy focuses on maternal resuscitation,
with preparation for early perimortem caesarean delivery if necessary to save the
infant and improve the chances of successful resuscitation of the mother.
ā¢ Enhanced algorithms and visual aids provide easy-to remember guidance for BLS
and ACLS resuscitation scenarios.
90. Algorithms and visual aids
ļµ The major changes to algorithms and performance aids include the following:
ā¢ A sixth link recovery was added to the in hospital and out of hospital cardiac
arrest chains of survival.
ā¢ The universal adult cardiac arrest algorithm was modified to emphasize the
role of early epinephrine administration for patients with non-shockable rhythms.
ā¢ Two new opioid associated emergency algorithms were added for lay
rescuers and trained rescuers.
ā¢ Post cardiac arrest algorithm was updated to emphasize the need to prevent
hyperoxia, hypoxia and hypotension.
91. ā¢ A new diagram has been added to guide and inform neuro-prognostication
ā¢ A new cardiac arrest in pregnancy algorithm has been added to address
these special cases.
ā¢ The writing group reviewed all algorithms and made focussed improvements
to visual training aids to ensure their utility as a point of care tools and reflect
the latest science.
92. ļµ CPR reaffirmed:
Early Initiation of CPR by Lay Rescuers
2020 (Updated): guidelines recommend that laypersons initiate CPR for presumed
cardiac arrest because the risk of harm to the patient is low if the patient is not
in cardiac arrest
Why: New evidence shows that the risk of harm to a victim who receives chest
compressions when not in cardiac arrest is low. Lay rescuers are not able to
determine with accuracy whether a victim has a pulse, and the risk of
withholding CPR from a pulseless vic
93. Early Administration of Epinephrine
2020 (Unchanged/Reaffirmed): With respect to timing, for cardiac arrest with a
shockable rhythm, it may be reasonable to administer epinephrine after initial
defibrillation attempts have failed.
Why:Any drug that increases the rate of ROSC and survival but is given after
several minutes of downtime will likely increase both favourable and
unfavourable neurologic outcome. Therefore, the most beneficial approach
seems to be continuing to use a drug that has been shown to increase survival
while focusing broader efforts on shortening time to drug for all patients; by
doing so, more survivors will have a favourable neurologic outcome.
94. Real-Time Audio visual Feedback
2020 (Unchanged/Reaffirmed): It may be reasonable to use audio-visual feedback
devices during CPR for real-time optimization of CPR performance
Why:A recent RCT reported a 25% increase in survival to hospital discharge from
IHCA with audio feedback on compression depth and recoil.
Physiologic Monitoring of CPR Quality
2020 (Updated): It may be reasonable to use physiologic parameters such as
arterial blood pressure or ETCO2when feasible to monitor and optimize CPR
quality.
Why:Data show higher likelihood of ROSC when CPR quality is monitored using
either ETCO2or diastolic blood pressure. This monitoring depends on the
presence of an endotracheal tube (ETT) or arterial line, respectively. Targeting
compressions to an ETCO2value of at least 10 mm Hg, and ideally 20 mm Hg or
greater, may be useful as a marker of CPR quality. An ideal target has not been
identified
95. Double Sequential Defibrillation Not Supported
2020 (New): A systematic review reveals that the usefulness of double sequential
defibrillation for refractory shockable rhythm has not been established
Why: Double sequential defibrillation is the practice of applying near-simultaneous
shocks using 2 defibrillators. A recent pilot RCT suggests that changing the direction of
defibrillation current by repositioning the pads may be as effective as double
sequential defibrillation while avoiding the risks of harm from increased energy and
damage to defibrillators.
IV Access Preferred over IO (intraosseous)
2020 (New): It is reasonable for providers to first attempt establishing IV access for
drug administration in cardiac arrest.
2020 (Updated): IO access may be considered if attempts at IV access are unsuccessful
or not feasible.
96. Why: A 2020 ILCOR systematic review comparing IV versus IO (principally pretibial
placement) drug administration during cardiac arrest found that the IV route was
associated with better clinical outcomes in 5 retrospective studies; subgroup
analyses of RCTs that focused on other clinical questions found comparable
outcomes when IV or IO were used for drug administration. Although IV access is
preferred, for situations in which IV access is difficult, IO access is a reasonable
option
97. Care and Support during Recovery
2020 (New): AHA 2020 guidelines recommend that cardiac arrest survivors have
multimodal rehabilitation assessment and treatment for physical, neurologic,
cardiopulmonary, and cognitive impairments before discharge from the hospital.
2020 (New): AHA 2020 guidelines recommend that cardiac arrest survivors and
their caregivers receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary discharge planning, to
include medical and rehabilitative treatment recommendations and return to
activity/work expectations.
2020 (New): AHA 2020 guidelines recommend structured assessment for anxiety,
depression, posttraumatic stress, and fatigue for cardiac arrest survivors and
their caregivers.
98. Why:The process of recovering from cardiac arrest extends long after the initial
hospitalization. Support is needed during recovery to ensure optimal physical,
cognitive, and emotional well-being and return to social/role functioning. This
process should be initiated during the initial hospitalization and continue as long
as needed. AHA 2020 guidelines given new algorithm describing initial
stabilization phase and additional emergency activities after ROSC. Key
considerations were given to blood pressure management, monitoring and
treatment of seizures and targeted temperature management
99. Debriefings for Rescuers:
2020 (New): Debriefings and referral for follow up for emotional support for lay
rescuers, EMS providers, and hospital-based healthcare workers after a cardiac
arrest event may bebeneficial.
Why: Rescuers may experience anxiety or posttraumatic stress about providing or
not providing BLS. Hospitalbased care providers mayalso experience emotional or
psychological effects of caring for a patient with cardiac arrest. Team debriefings
may allow a review of team performance (education, quality improvement) as
well as recognition of the natural stressors associated with caring for a patient
near death.
100. Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy
2020 (New): Because pregnant patients are more prone to hypoxia, oxygenation and
airway management should be prioritized during resuscitation from cardiac arrest in
pregnancy.
2020 (New): Because of potential interference with maternal resuscitation, fetal
monitoring should not be undertaken during cardiac arrest in pregnancy.
2020 (New): AHA guidelines 2020 recommend targeted temperature management for
pregnant women who remain comatose after resuscitation from cardiac arrest.
2020 (New): During targeted temperature management of the pregnant patient, it is
recommended that the fetus be continuously monitored for bradycardia as a potential
complication, and obstetric and neonatal consultation should be sought.
101. why:Airway, ventilation, and oxygenation are particularly important in the setting of
pregnancy because of an increase in maternal metabolism, a decrease in functional
reserve capacity due to the gravid uterus, and the risk of fetal brain injury from
hypoxemia.
Evaluation of the fetal heart is not helpful during maternal cardiac arrest, and it may
distract from necessary resuscitation elements. In the absence of data to the
contrary, pregnant women who survive cardiac arrest should receive targeted
temperature management just as any other survivors would, with consideration for
the status of the fetus that may remain in utero.
If the pregnant woman with a fundus height at or above the umbilicus has not
obtained ROSC with usual resuscitation measures plus manual left lateral uterine
displacement, it is advisable to prepare to evacuate the uterus while resuscitation
continues
102. Opioid overdose:
The opioid epidemic has resulted in increase in respiratory and cardiac arrest
due to opioid overdose. To address this public health crisis, AHA 2020 guidelines
given 2 new algorithms for the management of opioid associated emergencies,
highlighting that lay rescuers and trained responders should not delay activating
emergency response systems while awaiting patients response to naloxone or
other interventions .
For patients known or suspected to be in cardiac arrest in the absence of a
proven benefit from the use of naloxone, standard resuscitative measures should
take priority over naloxone administration, with a focuson high quality CPR
103. Point -of care ultrasound for prognostication
Based on synthesized evidence AHA 2020 guidelines suggested against the use of
POCUS during CPR .But this recommendation does not preclude the use of
ultrasound to identify the potentially reversible cause of cardiac arrest or detect
ROSC