Goals

• Trainee will demonstrate competence in the initial evaluation and basic management of patients in cardiac arrest

• Trainee will demonstrate competence in leading a team during resuscitation of cardiac arrest

Objectives

Trainee will be able to:

• List the various roles involved in cardiac arrest resuscitation

  • Code Leader

  • Compressions

  • Airway

  • IV/IO Access

  • Medications

  • Charting

  • Timekeeper

• Recognize and name the four possible rhythms in cardiac arrest

  • Ventricular tachycardia (pulseless)

  • Ventricular fibrillation

  • Pulseless electrical activity

  • Asystole

• Describe and demonstrate appropriate placement of defibrillator pads

• List the indications for defibrillation and the appropriate energy

• Name the drugs and dosages used in the management of cardiac arrest

  • Epinephrine

  • Vasopressin

  • Amiodarone

  • Sodium Bicarbonate

  • Calcium Chloride / Gluconate

  • Fibrinolytics

  • Magnesium

  • Esmolol

  • Naloxone

• Name and recognize the H’s and T’s of reversible causes of cardiac arrest

  • Hypovolemia

  • Hypoxia

  • Hydrogen ion (acidosis)

  • Hypo-/hyperkalemia

  • Hypothermia

  • Thrombosis, Coronary

  • Thrombosis, Pulmonary

  • Tamponade, Cardiac

  • Tension pneumothorax

  • Toxins

• Describe appropriate actions and interventions in cases of ROSC (VOMIT mnemonic)

  • Vitals (obtain fresh full set)

  • Oxygen (avoid hyperoxia)

  • Myocardial injury (obtain EKG)

  • IV (confirm adequate access)

  • Therapeutic hypothermia