What is the first aid for cardiac arrest?
If you're alone with an adult who has signs of cardiac arrest, call 911 and get an AED (if one is available). Check for no breathing or only gasping. If the person isn't breathing or is only gasping, begin CPR with compressions. Begin high quality CPR.
What are the 2 main drugs used in resuscitation?
Resuscitation drugs - Adrenaline - to improve coronary and cerebral bloodflow. - Amiodarone - an antiarrhythmic.
Is epinephrine used for cardiac arrest?
Epinephrine, 1 mg, is used as a blunt instrument during CPR to increase the rate of ROSC and survival to discharge. Epinephrine has a more pronounced treatment effect when given early in the resuscitation attempt, especially for a nonshockable cardiac arrest.
What are the first line emergency drugs?
First-line drugs Epinephrine also increases the likelihood of successful defibrillation.
Which drug is considered first line treatment for asystole or PEA?
The only two drugs recommended or acceptable by the American Heart Association (AHA) for adults in asystole are epinephrine and vasopressin. Atropine is no longer recommended for young children and infants since 2005, and for adults since 2010 for pulseless electrical activity (PEA) and asystole.
Why is amiodarone used for cardiac arrest?
Amiodarone has a complex effect on the heart but the main effect is to slow down the metabolism of cardiac tissue. The drug also blocks the action of hormones that speed up the heart rate. The overall effect is to slow the heart.
When was epinephrine first used in cardiac arrest?
The use of epinephrine in cardiac arrest originated from studies in the 1960's, when it was found to improve survival in dog models of asphyxia (2). Physiologically, epinephrine produces some effects that may be helpful and others that may be harmful.
When is amiodarone given in cardiac arrest?
For cardiac arrest, amiodarone is used after the third shock for ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia that is unresponsive to shock delivery, CPR, and vasopressors. For tachycardia with a pulse, amiodarone may be considered, and expert consultation should be obtained prior to its use.