Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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In-hospital sudden cardiac arrest and resuscitation is distinct from out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (OOHSCA) and warrants specific attention. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a manifestation of an underlying process rather than a disease itself. ⋯ The diagnostic and treatment algorithms of SCA remain largely the same between the inpatient and outpatient arenas. The application of complex diagnostic and therapeutic interventions is permissible, but such tools must not interrupt or delay the important basics of cardiac arrest management in the inpatient setting, including adequate chest compressions and timely defibrillation when appropriate.
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In certain cardiac arrest situations, modifications to current cardiac resuscitation algorithms may improve patient outcome. These situations are often rare, but when they occur they house the potential for severe time and resource use, and in some cases specialized skill sets. The decision to apply these modifications to standard care for the cardiac arrest patient may be obvious in some cases or may be applied due to suspicion from the presenting medical history, history of present illness, or physical examination. However, with rare exception, general care of any cardiac arrest patient should include continuous high-quality chest compressions and appropriate airway and ventillatory management.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Feb 2012
Editorial Historical ArticleHeart arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Introduction.