Cardio Respiratory Arrest Management

Initial management follows basic advanced life support principles. Likely causes may include:

• Current induced dysrhythmia (VT / VF)
• Hypoxic cardiac arrest (respiratory muscle tetany, centrally mediated apnoea)
• Hypovolemia from associated injuries
• Hyperkalaemia secondary to rhabdomyolysis

Standard advanced life support protocols apply. Intravenous cannulation should be in a limb not involved in the current pathway. Damage to the vascular structures (e.g. vasospasm/thrombosis) of a limb may prevent systemic circulation of resuscitative drugs and fluids.

Learning bite

Cardiac dysrhythmias are managed as per ALS guidelines.