2nd April 2024

Introduction

The following section is based on the most recent 2021 Resuscitation Council UK guidelines. The adult advanced life support algorithm divides patients into shockable (ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia) versus non-shockable rhythms (PEA and asystole). 

Shockable rhythms have a better prognosis than non-shockable rhythms. Asystole has the worst survival prognosis. Less than a quarter of cardiac arrests are shockable both in and out of hospital. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is the most common rhythm identified in hospital. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is achieved in around half of those who are treated in hospital with a resuscitation team.