Introduction
As the immediate ABCDE priorities are being attended to, consider the five further issues highlighted in the introduction to this session.
What key questions should be considered following a cardiac arrest?
- What caused the arrest?
- What immediate further investigation and treatment is needed?
- What can be done to optimise outcome?
- Do I cool them?
- Is this patient salvageable?
- Is the proposed course of action in the patient’s best interests?
- Who is going to continue caring for this patient and what information do they need?
After initial basic care, five broader areas merit consideration.