The ultimate goal of cardiac resuscitation is full neurologic recovery; however, the probability of achieving this goal deteriorates rapidly with each minute of cardiac arrest. The most essential steps are rapid recognition of cardiac arrest, early high-quality chest compressions with minimal interruptions, and early defibrillation. Additional key components include effective leadership and followership, appropriate airway management, and effectual investigation for possible reversible causes of the arrest. This review discusses the role of and evidence for using pharmacologic agents. Additional discussion evaluates the use of ultrasonography and end-tidal CO2 in cardiac arrest resuscitation. Lastly, this review discusses cardiac arrest in special circumstances, such as patients who are pregnant, have left ventricular assist devices, or are subjects of trauma.
This review contains 6 figures, 3 tables and 101 references
Key words: advanced cardiovascular life support, antidysrhythmics, asystole, cardiac arrest, basic life support, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, pulseless electrical activity, resuscitation, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia
Cardiac arrest in special circumstances: toxic alcohol poisoning