4th May 2025

Cardiac Arrest

In cardiac arrest situations, following a systematic approach is crucial. Resuscitation council UK has given clear Advanced Life Support guidelines in cardiac arrest situations.

Once VF/Pulseless VT is identified on the monitor, the treatment would be delivering an immediate shock of 150-200J for the first shock. After 3 shocks via the defibrillator, Amiodarone 300mg IV and Adrenaline 1mg IV is given alongside cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

Tachyarrhythmia algorithm *(adapted from Resus UK ALS algorithm 2021)*

References

1. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/wolff-parkinson-white-syndrome-anatomy-epidemiology-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis?search=wpw&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~132&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
2. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-arrhythmias-associated-with-the-wolff-parkinson-white-syndrome?search=wpw&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~132&usage_type=default&display_rank=2
3. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/atrioventricular-nodal-reentrant-tachycardia?search=avnrt&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~73&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
4. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summaries/arrhythmias/#ventricular-tachycardia
5. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sustained-monomorphic-ventricular-tachycardia-in-patients-with-structural-heart-disease-treatment-and-prognosis?search=vt&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2
6. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sustained-monomorphic-ventricular-tachycardia-clinical-manifestations-diagnosis-and-evaluation?search=vt&source=search_result&selectedTitle=4~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=4
7. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/409/treatment-algorithm
8. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/537
9. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/400
10. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/ventricular-arrhythmias-during-acute-myocardial-infarction-incidence-mechanisms-and-clinical-features?search=vf&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
11. https://lms.resus.org.uk/modules/m25-v2-als-algorithm/11118/resources/chapter_6.pdf
12. https://www.resus.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-04/Tachycardia%20Algorithm%202021.pdf