20th March 2024

Cardiac arrest

In cardiac arrests, certain drugs are given at specific times depending on whether you are on the shockable or non-shockable side of the cardiac arrest management algorithm. When managing non-shockable rhythms, adrenaline 1mg IV/IO (concentration 1:10000) should be given as soon as a non-shockable rhythm is recognised on the defibrillator. It should then be given every alternate cycle. In shockable rhythms, adrenaline 1mg IV/IO (concentration 1:10000) should be given after the third shock. Once the first dose of adrenaline is given, further doses should be given every 3-5 minutes. Amiodarone 300mg IV/IO should be given after 3 shocks. A further dose of 150mg IV/IO should be considered after 5 shocks.