Cardiac Arrest

Once cardiac arrest is confirmed:

1. Apply basic life support (BLS) and ALS as described in the European Council Guidelines (ERC) guidelines [1].
2. Re-warm the patient as fast as possible re-warming is the best anti-arrhythmic and inotrope in this situation.
3. Look for, and treat, co-morbidities and consider alternative diagnoses. Why are they hypothermic? Is there a significant pathological process other than hypothermia?Remember the 4Hs:
   • Hypoxia
   • Hypovolaemia
   • Hyperkalaemia, hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, acidaemia, and other metabolic disorders
   • Hypothermiaand 4Ts:
   • Tension pneumothorax
   • Tamponade
   • Toxic substances
   • Thromboembolism (pulmonary embolus/coronary thrombosis).
4. Anticipate a prolonged resuscitation that could require significant multi-specialty input.