7d: Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (2024)

The fourth lesson in Chapter 7 covers the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm. Guidelines are provided for ensuring CPR quality. There is a list provided for what to ensure when shock energy is being used. The corresponding ACLS manual Figure 29 provides a full adult cardiac arrest algorithm.

For CPR quality, ensure the following:

• Push hard (2-2.4” (5-6 cm)) and fast (100-120 bpm)and allow chest recoil
• Minimize interruptions
• Do not over ventilate
• If there is no advanced airway, use 30:2 compression to ventilation ratio
• Quantitative waveform capnography
- If ETCO2 is less than 10 mm Hg, attempt to improve CPR quality.

For shock energy, ensure the following:

• Biphasic delivery of energy during defibrillation has been shown to be more effective than older monophasic waveforms. Follow manufacturer recommendation (for example, initial dose of 120 to 200 J); if unknown, use maximum available. Second and subsequent doses should be equivalent, and higher doses should be considered.
• Monophasic should be 360 J.

For return of spontaneous circulation, note the following:

• Return of pulse and blood pressure
• Sudden sustained increase in PETCO2 (typically more than or equal to 40 mm Hg)
• Spontaneous arterial pressure waves with intra-arterial monitoring

For advanced airway, note the following:

• Supraglottic advanced airway or ET intubation
• Waveform capnography to confirm and monitor ET tube placement
• 10 breaths per minute with continuous chest compressions

For drug therapy, ensure the following:

• Epinephrine IV/IO Dose: 1 mg, administer as soon as possible then every 3 to 5 minutes after
• Amiodarone IV/IO Dose: first dose is 300 mg bolus, second dose is 150 mg
• Lidocaine: 1st dose: 1-1.5 mg/kg, second dose: 0.5-0.75 mg/kg

Keep the following reversible causes in mind: Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, H+(acidosis), Hypothermia, Hypo-/hyperkalemia, Hypoglycemia, Tamponade, cardiac, Toxins, Tension pneumothorax, Thrombosis, pulmonary or coronary, Trauma

For a full adult cardiac arrest algorithm, refer to Figure 29 in your corresponding ACLS manual."

Need to be certified or recertified in ACLS, visit https://disquefoundation.org/acls-cou...
**************************************
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: Facebook: DisqueFoundation
Twitter: Twitter: DisqueFNDN
Instagram: Instagram: savealifeinitiative
Pinterest: Pinterest: disquefoundation
LinkedIn: LinkedIn: disque-foundation
Website: https://disquefoundation.org/

To find out more about the Save a Life Initiative and the Disque foundation please visit our site or email us at [email protected]

Together, let’s save lives.

• #education
• #acls
• #ecg
• #acls_training_video
• #first_aid_training
• #acls_review