Implementing Proven Survival Strategies
In the past few years, new evidence has highlighted the importance of the medical care provided during the immediate post-cardiac arrest period.
While optimal prehospital care is critical to restore a heartbeat and preserve brain function, the best chance of a favorable outcome is significantly enhanced by systematic delivery of advanced post-cardiac arrest care in the hospital setting.
Survivors of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest should have access to a program that includes structured interventions which have been shown to improve survival, including:
- Therapeutic hypothermia
- Hemodynamic stabilization
- Immediate coronary reperfusion when indicated
- Glycemic control
- Neurologic diagnosis, management and prognostication
Community SCA Response Planning Guide
Best Practices
- Optimize cardiopulmonary function and vital organ perfusion after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)
- Transport/transfer to an appropriate hospital or critical care unit with a comprehensive post-cardiac arrest treatment system of care
- Identify and treat ACS and other reversible causes
- Control temperature to optimize neurologic recovery
- Anticipate, treat, and prevent multiple organ dysfunction – this includes avoiding excessive ventilation and hyperoxia
- Highlights of the 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC
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