traumatic cardiac arrest

Question 1

Indications

Answer 1

Setting of major trauma with suspected cardiac arrest

Question 2

If in doubt

Answer 2

Treat as medical cardiac arrest

Question 3

M

Answer 3

Major haemorrhage - check for external haemorrhage, treat with tourniquets (x2 distal to injury), then quick-clot bandage stuffed into the wound.

Precaution for internal haemorrhage, apply SAM splint greater trochanters, CT-6 splint, etc.

Question 4

A

Answer 4

Airway - ensure clear airway with C-spine considerations. Check for foreign bodies or fluid in the airway, apply an SGA and auscultate for appropriate placement.

Question 5

R

Answer 5

Respiratory - ventilate with BVM for adequate oxygen supply.

Question 6

R

Answer 6

Respiratory - ventilate with BVM for adequate oxygen supply. Calculate 6-7mLs x 100 for BVM squeeze amount.

Question 7

C

Answer 7

Chest decompression - decompress both lungs, starting with the right as it may be occluding the vena cava and preventing adequate blood flow. SMART positioning

Question 8

H

Answer 8

Hypovolaemic shock - give fluid resus incase of extreme fluid loss. Normal saline 20ml/kg IV

Question 9

After MARCH

Answer 9

If the patient hasn’t recovered, treat as per medical cardiac arrest

Question 10

SMART chest decompression application

Answer 10

S - second intercostal
M - mid clavicular line
A - above the rib below
R - right angle to the chest
T - towards the spine