Purpose of the ALS Algorithm
The principal purpose of the ALS algorithm is to enable medical and paramedic teams to maximise the chance of achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients in cardiac arrest.
The ALS algorithm (European Resuscitation Council 2010) [1] clearly emphasises minimising disruption to continuous chest compressions and ventilation. Its standardised approach allows “…each member of the cardiac arrest team to predict and prepare the next stage in the patient’s treatment, further enhancing the efficiency of the team…”. Only on occasions will modification to the algorithm be required in the special circumstances shown in Table 1 and covered elsewhere.
Table 1
| Trauma | Asthma |
| Hypothermia | Anaphylaxis |
| Hyperthermia | Pregnancy |
| Electrolyte disorders | Electrocution |
| Poisoning | Drowning |
The algorithm
The algorithm is the centrepiece of the ALS course taught in the UK. Depending on whether the patient is in a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia) or non-shockable rhythm (pulseless electrical activity or asystole), the left or right arm of the algorithm is followed. Other interventions and considerations are gathered in the central yellow box and are applicable regardless of rhythm.