ALS Algorithm Flashcards
(10 cards)
How do you confirm cardiac arrest?
Assess responsiveness
- sternal rub
Breathing
- cessation of breathing (agonal breathing not included)
Not central (carotid) pulse - can check it simultaneously (caution false positive)
When do you start chest compressions?
Unresponsive
Abnormal breathing
What is the standard energy setting for the defib?
200J
What do you do for non-shockable?
Immediate adrenaline (1mg IV/IO)
What are the shockable rhythms?
VF
Pulseless VT
What are the 4H’s and 4T’s of reversible causes of cardio arrest?
Hypoxia
Hypovolaemia
Hypo/hyperthermia
Hyper/hypokalaemia, metabolic abnormality
Tension pneumo
Tamponade
Toxins
Thrombosis
Management of hyperkalaemia?
Calcium chloride (or gluconate if chloride unavailable)
Bicarbonate
Insulin and dextrose
(in that order)
Signs of tension pneumo?
Asymmetrical chest expansion
Absent breath sounds
Tracheal deviation
Hyperresonant percussion
When do you think of tamponade?
Trauma
Post cardiac surgery
After some other procedure
Aortic dissection
Management of PE?
Consider fibrinolytic therapy