NLE Emergency & Critical Care Nursing — Basic & Advanced Life Support (CPR/ACLS)Cheat Sheet

Term

Chain of Survival

Example

A 58-year-old collapses in the mall. Recognition (1 min), call 911 (2 min), CPR starts (3 min), AED arrives (4 min), ROSC at 8 min. Each delay costs ~7–10% survival.

Definition

Five linked actions: early recognition + emergency activation → early high-quality CPR → rapid defibrillation → effective advanced care → integrated post-arrest care. Each weak link lowers survival.

Formula

Responsiveness Check + Breathing/Pulse Assessment ≤ 10 seconds

Meaning

Tap and shout to check responsiveness. Simultaneously assess normal breathing AND pulse for no more than 10 seconds total.

Watch Out

Agonal gasping = NO breathing. Do NOT waste time looking for a pulse beyond 10 seconds — if in doubt, start compressions.

When To Use

First action after ensuring scene safety in any unresponsive person.

Term

Agonal Gasping

Example

A collapsed patient makes 2–3 gasping breaths per minute with eyes closed. Treat as arrest and start CPR.

Definition

Occasional gasping, irregular breathing, or gasping for air in an unresponsive person; NOT normal breathing and indicates cardiac arrest.

Term

C-A-B Sequence

Example

Collapse witnessed → Tap and shout → Check breathing/pulse (≤10 sec) → Not breathing/no pulse → Activate ERS + get AED → START COMPRESSIONS → Open airway → Give 2 breaths → Continue 30:2.

Definition

Compressions first, then Airway opening, then Breathing. This prioritizes circulating existing oxygenated blood before airway management.

Formula

Compression Rate = 100–120 compressions/minute

Meaning

Rate in bpm (beats per minute). Faster than 120 reduces depth; slower than 100 reduces cardiac output.

Watch Out

Students often forget the UPPER limit of 120. Going too fast (>120) sacrifices depth and filling time. Use a metronome or song (e.g., 'Stayin' Alive' at ~100 bpm) to verify.

When To Use

Every chest compression cycle in all ages and all arrest rhythms.

Formula

Compression Depth (Adult) = 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches)

Meaning

Minimum 5 cm, maximum 6 cm. Shallower than 5 cm = insufficient; deeper than 6 cm = risk of injury.

Watch Out

Students often compress too shallowly (thinking it's 'safer') — this KILLS the patient. Compress hard and fast. Rib fractures are acceptable consequences of correct CPR.

When To Use

All adult CPR (≥8 years or >55 kg).

Formula

Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio (Single Rescuer, All Ages) = 30:2

Meaning

30 compressions, then 2 rescue breaths. Repeat this cycle.

Watch Out

Do NOT stop compressions for a breath count — this breaks the rhythm. Give breaths quickly (1 sec each) and resume compressions immediately.

When To Use

Single rescuer performing BLS in adult, child, or infant.

Formula

Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio (Two Rescuers in Adult) = 30:2

Meaning

Same as single rescuer for adult.

Watch Out

Do NOT switch to 15:2 for two-rescuer adult CPR — that is ONLY for two-rescuer child/infant CPR.

When To Use

Two-rescuer CPR in an adult (≥8 years).

Formula

Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio (Two Rescuers in Child/Infant) = 15:2

Meaning

15 compressions, then 2 breaths. Different from adult because higher oxygen demand in children.

Watch Out

This ONLY applies to two-rescuer CPR. Single-rescuer child/infant CPR is still 30:2.

When To Use

Two-rescuer CPR in a child (<8 years) or infant (<1 year).

Formula

Pediatric Compression Depth = ~1/3 Anteroposterior Chest Diameter

Meaning

Roughly 5 cm in a child (1–8 years), roughly 4 cm in an infant (<1 year). Same formula: push hard enough to depress about one-third of the depth.

Watch Out

Do NOT use adult depth (5–6 cm) for children/infants — compress shallower. Infant single-rescuer compression uses TWO FINGERS; two-rescuer infant uses two-thumb encircling technique.

When To Use

All child and infant CPR.

Formula

Compression Quality Fraction (CCF) ≥ 60%

Meaning

Compressions should be delivered for at least 60% of the arrest time. Example: in a 10-minute arrest, compressions running for at least 6 minutes.

Watch Out

Minimizing interruptions (pulse checks, intubation, rhythm analysis pauses) is the key to achieving high CCF. Each 5-second pause drops CCF significantly.

When To Use

Overall quality metric during the entire resuscitation.

Formula

Compressor Rotation = Every 2 minutes

Meaning

Switch the person doing compressions every 2 minutes (or sooner if fatigued) to maintain depth and rate.

Watch Out

Compressor fatigue degrades quality within 2 minutes even if the rescuer doesn't realize it. Rotate automatically at 2 minutes, not when the compressor 'looks tired.'

When To Use

Multi-rescuer codes in the ICU, ER, or hospital settings.

Value

100–120 compressions/minute

Symbol

bpm

Quantity

Compression Rate (Adult)

Value

5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches)

Symbol

cm or inches

Quantity

Compression Depth (Adult)

Value

~5 cm (1/3 of chest AP diameter)

Symbol

cm

Quantity

Compression Depth (Child)

Value

~4 cm (1/3 of chest AP diameter)

Symbol

cm

Quantity

Compression Depth (Infant)

Value

30:2

Symbol

ratio

Quantity

Compression-to-Ventilation (Single Rescuer, All Ages)

Value

30:2

Symbol

ratio

Quantity

Compression-to-Ventilation (Two Rescuers, Adult)

Value

15:2

Symbol

ratio

Quantity

Compression-to-Ventilation (Two Rescuers, Child/Infant)

Value

Every 2 minutes

Symbol

time

Quantity

Compressor Rotation Interval

Value

≥60% of arrest time

Symbol

CCF

Quantity

Minimum Compression Quality Fraction

Term

Full Chest Recoil

Example

Do NOT lean on the chest between compressions. Press down, then let it fully come back up. Incomplete recoil = incomplete venous return = poor cardiac output.

Definition

The chest returns completely to its resting position between compressions, allowing the heart to refill with blood.

Term

Hand Position (Adult/Child)

Example

Patient supine on hard surface. Place heel of right hand on lower sternum, left hand on top, lean straight down using body weight.

Definition

Heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum, other hand on top, arms straight, shoulders over hands, using body weight (not just arm strength).

Formula

Rescue Breath Volume = Just Enough for Visible Chest Rise

Meaning

Deliver each breath over ~1 second, with just enough volume to see the chest rise visibly. Over-ventilation causes gastric inflation and harm.

Watch Out

Excessive ventilation (large tidal volumes, fast breathing) is VERY COMMON and VERY HARMFUL. Give small, controlled breaths and watch the chest.

When To Use

When giving rescue breaths in CPR (30:2 ratio or post-advanced airway).

Formula

Breath Rate (Post-Advanced Airway) = 1 breath every 6 seconds = ~10 breaths/minute

Meaning

Once an ET tube or advanced airway is in place, deliver continuous chest compressions with one rescue breath every 6 seconds (not pausing compressions for breaths).

Watch Out

Do NOT pause compressions to give a breath post-intubation. One breath every 6 seconds while compressions continue.

When To Use

After intubation or King LT or I-gel placement during resuscitation.

Value

~1 second per breath

Symbol

sec

Quantity

Breath Duration

Value

1 breath every 6 seconds (~10/min)

Symbol

breaths/min

Quantity

Breath Rate (Post-Intubation)

Term

Airway Opening (Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift)

Example

Place one hand on the forehead, tilt the head back. Place two fingers under the bony part of the chin and lift it upward.

Definition

Tilt the head back and lift the chin forward to open the airway and lift the tongue away from the posterior pharynx.

Term

Jaw-Thrust Maneuver

Example

If a patient may have a neck injury, do NOT tilt the head. Instead, place fingers on the angles of the jaw and push the jaw forward.

Definition

Opening the airway by advancing the jaw forward without tilting the head; used when trauma (C-spine injury) is suspected.

Formula

Defibrillation Delay Impact = ~7–10% Survival Decrease per Minute

Meaning

Each minute without defibrillation in VF/pVT reduces survival by roughly 7–10%. This is a survival cliff — speed is critical.

Watch Out

Do NOT pause compressions for a long time to find an AED. If available within 1–2 minutes, retrieve it. If it will take >2 minutes, start compressions and have someone get it.

When To Use

Justification for immediately retrieving an AED and applying shocks with minimal delay.

Formula

Time to Resume Compressions (Post-Shock) = IMMEDIATELY (after clearing)

Meaning

After a shock is delivered and the patient is cleared, resume chest compressions for 2 minutes before the next rhythm check.

Watch Out

Do NOT pause to check a pulse or rhythm right after a shock. Immediately resume compressions for a full 2 minutes.

When To Use

Every shock cycle in VF/pVT arrest.

Value

7–10% per minute

Symbol

%/min

Quantity

Survival Loss per Minute (VF/pVT) Without Defibrillation

Value

≥2.5 cm (1 inch)

Symbol

cm or inches

Quantity

AED Pad Placement Distance from Pacemaker

Term

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

Example

Power on, attach pads, ensure no one is touching the patient, let the device analyze, deliver shock if prompted, resume CPR.

Definition

A portable device that analyzes cardiac rhythm and delivers an electric shock if VF or pulseless VT is detected. Safe for bystanders because it is automated.

Term

Defibrillation

Example

Patient in VF. AED detects VF, prompts to clear, delivers shock. After shock, may see organized rhythm (ROSC) or may still be in VF (repeat CPR and re-analyze in 2 min).

Definition

Delivery of a synchronized or unsynchronized electric shock to the heart to terminate an abnormal rhythm (VF or pVT) and restore organized electrical activity.

Formula

Shockable Rhythms = VF or Pulseless VT

Meaning

Ventricular fibrillation (chaotic, fine or coarse waveform) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (organized but no pulse). Treatment: DEFIBRILLATE.

Watch Out

Do NOT confuse pulseless VT with regular VT. In pulseless VT, there is NO pulse — treat like VF and shock. In regular VT with a pulse, DO NOT shock (treat with medications instead).

When To Use

Every rhythm check in ACLS. If you see these, shock immediately.

Formula

Non-Shockable Rhythms = Asystole or PEA

Meaning

Asystole (flat line, no electrical activity) and pulseless electrical activity (organized electrical rhythm visible on monitor but NO palpable pulse). Treatment: DO NOT SHOCK. CPR + Epi + find reversible causes.

Watch Out

Asystole can be mistaken for fine VF or a lead problem. ALWAYS confirm asystole in more than one lead before deciding 'no shock.' If in doubt, shock (it does not hurt).

When To Use

Every rhythm check. If you see these, NEVER give a shock — it will not help and delays CPR.

Term

Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)

Example

Monitor shows a wiggly, irregular baseline. No organized complex. Shock immediately.

Definition

Disorganized, chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles with no coordinated contraction. Cardiac output is zero. The most responsive rhythm to defibrillation.

Term

Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (pVT)

Example

Monitor shows organized, wide QRS complexes at 160 bpm, but patient has no pulse. Shock and provide CPR.

Definition

Organized, rapid electrical activity (>100 bpm) in the ventricles, but no perfusing pulse. Shock immediately.

Term

Asystole

Example

Monitor shows a flat baseline across all leads. Start CPR, epinephrine, and aggressive search for reversible causes (Hs and Ts).

Definition

Flat line on the monitor; complete absence of electrical and mechanical activity. Worst prognosis. Do NOT shock.

Term

Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)

Example

Monitor shows normal sinus rhythm or bradycardia, but patient is unresponsive with no pulse. Cause is often reversible (tension pneumothorax, tamponade, hypovolemia, hypothermia). Start CPR, find the reversible cause, and treat it.

Definition

Organized electrical rhythm on the monitor (may look normal) but no palpable pulse. Indicates mechanical-electrical dissociation.

Formula

Arrest Epinephrine (Adrenaline) = 1 mg IV/IO, repeated every 3–5 minutes

Meaning

Concentration: 1:10,000 (meaning 1 mg per 10 mL). Dose: 1 mg IV push, flush with saline.

Watch Out

THIS IS NOT THE SAME as anaphylaxis epinephrine (0.3–0.5 mg IM, 1:1000 concentration). Mixing these up is LETHAL. Arrest epi = 1:10,000, IV. Anaphylaxis epi = 1:1000, IM.

When To Use

ALL cardiac arrests (shockable and non-shockable). In shockable rhythms, give after the SECOND shock. In non-shockable, give immediately.

Formula

Amiodarone (First-Line Antiarrhythmic for VF/pVT) = 300 mg IV, then 150 mg IV

Meaning

First dose: 300 mg IV push. Second dose (if still VF/pVT after first shock): 150 mg IV push.

Watch Out

Amiodarone is for VF/pVT ONLY. Do NOT use in non-shockable rhythms. Lidocaine 1–1.5 mg/kg is an acceptable alternative if amiodarone is unavailable.

When To Use

VF/pVT that is refractory to defibrillation (i.e., after the first or second shock, still in VF/pVT).

Formula

Vasopressin (Alternative Vasopressor) = 40 units IV, single dose

Meaning

May be used as a single dose alternative to epinephrine in cardiac arrest (less common in current guidelines but still testable).

Watch Out

Vasopressin is LESS commonly recommended now than epinephrine. Focus on epinephrine dosing. Vasopressin is low-yield for NLE.

When To Use

Some protocols may use a single 40 units IV dose as an alternative to first epinephrine dose. Check your hospital protocol.

Formula

Atropine = 0.5–1 mg IV, repeated every 3–5 minutes (MAX 3 mg total)

Meaning

Anticholinergic drug used for symptomatic bradycardia (not in arrest).

Watch Out

Atropine is NOT used in cardiac arrest. It is used for symptomatic bradycardia. Do NOT confuse with epinephrine (which IS used in arrest).

When To Use

Symptomatic bradycardia (pulse present) with hypotension or altered mental status.

Value

1 mg IV/IO, every 3–5 min

Symbol

mg, 1:10,000 concentration

Quantity

Epinephrine (Arrest)

Value

0.3–0.5 mg IM, once

Symbol

mg, 1:1000 concentration

Quantity

Epinephrine (Anaphylaxis)

Value

300 mg IV

Symbol

mg

Quantity

Amiodarone (First Dose)

Value

150 mg IV

Symbol

mg

Quantity

Amiodarone (Second Dose)

Value

20–30 mL normal saline

Symbol

mL

Quantity

Medication Flush Volume

Value

Every 3–5 minutes during arrest

Symbol

minutes

Quantity

Epinephrine Interval

Term

IV/IO Access

Example

In cardiac arrest, establish IV access via peripheral vein (hand, arm) or IO (tibia, humerus) for drug delivery. IO access can be obtained in <30 seconds if trained.

Definition

Intravenous (IV) or Intra-Osseous (IO) route for medication delivery. IO is acceptable if IV access cannot be obtained quickly (e.g., pediatric, unstable patient).

Term

Medication Flush

Example

Push 1 mg epinephrine IV, flush with 20 mL NS, elevate the arm for 10 seconds.

Definition

After administering a cardiac arrest medication IV, follow with a 20–30 mL flush of normal saline and elevate the extremity to ensure the drug reaches the central circulation.

Term

The Hs (Hypoxia, Hypovolemia, Hypo/Hyperkalemia, Hypothermia, Hydrogen ion/Acidosis)

Example

Patient in PEA — check for: (1) hypoxia (low O2 sat) → intubate and oxygenate; (2) hypovolemia (blood loss, trauma) → aggressive IV fluids; (3) hyperkalemia (renal failure) → Ca gluconate, insulin/dextrose, bicarb; (4) hypothermia (cold water, exposure) → rewarming; (5) acidosis (prolonged arrest) → hyperventilation, sodium bicarb if pH <7.1.

Definition

Five reversible metabolic causes of cardiac arrest, especially common in non-shockable rhythms (PEA, asystole). Treat the underlying cause.

Term

The Ts (Tension Pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins, Thrombosis)

Example

Patient in PEA with distended neck veins and unequal breath sounds → tension pneumothorax → needle decompression immediately. Patient with muffled heart sounds and paradoxical pulse → tamponade → pericardiocentesis. Patient with bradycardia and toxins ingested → treat toxin (e.g., atropine for organophosphate). Patient with acute MI or pulmonary embolism → anticoagulants, thrombolytics, catheterization.

Definition

Four reversible mechanical or toxicological causes of cardiac arrest. Recognize and treat immediately.

Formula

Severity Assessment = Mild vs. Severe Obstruction

Meaning

Mild: patient can cough forcefully, speak, or wheeze. Severe: patient cannot speak, cough, or breathe; may clutch throat.

Watch Out

In mild obstruction, do NOT intervene physically — encourage coughing. In severe, intervene immediately. Do not waste time debating severity — if uncertain, treat as severe.

When To Use

First step when you suspect choking.

Formula

Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver) = Repeated Quick Thrusts Until Object Expels or Unresponsiveness

Meaning

Stand behind patient, wrap arms around waist, place a fist just above the navel and below the xiphoid, and perform quick inward and UPWARD thrusts.

Watch Out

Thrusts must be inward AND upward (not just downward). Do NOT perform on infants (<1 year) — causes internal organ injury. For pregnant/obese person, use CHEST thrusts instead.

When To Use

Responsive adult or child (>1 year) with severe airway obstruction.

Formula

Infant Choking Protocol = 5 Back Slaps + 5 Chest Thrusts (Repeat Until Object Expels or Unresponsiveness)

Meaning

Infant <1 year: support the infant face-down on your forearm, give 5 firm back slaps between the shoulder blades, then turn infant face-up and give 5 chest thrusts (2 fingers on lower sternum).

Watch Out

NEVER perform abdominal thrusts on infants — causes organ injury. Use back slaps and chest thrusts. If still obstructed after cycles of 5+5, move to CPR if infant becomes unresponsive.

When To Use

Responsive infant (<1 year) with severe airway obstruction.

Formula

Unresponsive Choking Protocol = Activate ERS + CPR + Visual Object Removal (NO Blind Finger Sweep)

Meaning

If choking victim becomes unresponsive, lay them down, activate emergency response, and start CPR with compressions. Each time you open the airway for a breath, look inside the mouth for a visible object and remove it — but NEVER do a blind finger sweep.

Watch Out

Blind finger sweeps can lodge the object deeper in the throat — DO NOT DO IT. Only remove objects you can SEE.

When To Use

Choking victim who loses consciousness during obstruction.

Value

5 firm slaps between shoulder blades

Symbol

count

Quantity

Back Slaps (Infant Choking)

Value

5 thrusts on lower sternum with 2 fingers

Symbol

count

Quantity

Chest Thrusts (Infant Choking)

Term

Mild Airway Obstruction

Example

Patient coughs and manages to say 'I'm choking.' Encourage continued coughing; do NOT use abdominal thrusts.

Definition

Partial obstruction where the patient can still cough forcefully, speak, or wheeze. Air exchange is present.

Term

Severe Airway Obstruction

Example

Patient clutches throat, cannot cough or speak, looks panicked and cyanotic. Use abdominal thrusts immediately.

Definition

Complete or near-complete obstruction where the patient cannot speak, cough effectively, or breathe. Air exchange is absent or minimal.

Term

Universal Choking Sign

Example

Adult suddenly grabs neck with both hands and is unable to speak. Immediately perform abdominal thrusts.

Definition

Clutching the neck with one or both hands. Indicates the person is choking and needs immediate intervention.

Formula

Target Oxygen Saturation (Post-ROSC) = Normal Range (90–99%, aim 94–99%)

Meaning

Avoid hyperoxia (SpO2 >99%) which increases oxidative stress and worsens neurological outcome. Avoid hypoxia (<90%).

Watch Out

Hyperoxia is HARMFUL post-arrest. Titrate oxygen to maintain normal SpO2, not maximum SpO2. If on 100% O2 and SpO2 is 99%, reduce FiO2.

When To Use

After ROSC is achieved, during ventilation and oxygenation support.

Formula

Target End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2) = 35–45 mmHg

Meaning

Maintain normal ventilation to avoid hypocarbia (low CO2, which causes vasoconstriction) or hypercarbia (high CO2, which causes acidosis).

Watch Out

Excessive ventilation (hyperventilation) causes hypocarbia and cerebral vasoconstriction, worsening outcome. Avoid this.

When To Use

Post-ROSC, especially if patient is intubated and on mechanical ventilation.

Formula

Target Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) ≥ 65 mmHg

Meaning

Maintain systolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg (which usually corresponds to MAP ≥65 mmHg). Use vasopressors if needed.

Watch Out

Hypotension post-arrest worsens neurological outcome. Do NOT allow prolonged hypotension; use fluids and vasopressors (norepinephrine, dopamine) as needed.

When To Use

Post-ROSC, after stabilizing airway and breathing.

Formula

Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) = 32–36°C (90–97°F) for 24 hours

Meaning

Induce hypothermia after ROSC to reduce metabolic demand and brain injury, especially after VF/pVT arrest.

Watch Out

TTM requires careful monitoring (core temperature, shivering suppression, rewarming rate). Slow rewarming (0.5°C/hr max) prevents afterdrop. Not all hospitals can provide TTM; check your facility's protocol.

When To Use

Comatose patients after ROSC, especially if VF/pVT. Can be started in-hospital or via ECMO.

Value

94–99%

Symbol

%

Quantity

Target Oxygen Saturation (Post-ROSC)

Value

35–45 mmHg

Symbol

mmHg

Quantity

Target ETCO2 (Post-ROSC)

Value

≥65 mmHg

Symbol

mmHg

Quantity

Target MAP (Post-ROSC)

Value

≥90 mmHg

Symbol

mmHg

Quantity

Target Systolic BP (Post-ROSC)

Value

32–36°C (90–97°F)

Symbol

°C or °F

Quantity

Target Temperature (TTM)

Value

24 hours (from induction)

Symbol

hours

Quantity

TTM Duration

Value

≤0.5°C per hour

Symbol

°C/hr

Quantity

Rewarming Rate (TTM)

Term

Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)

Example

After 4 minutes of CPR, the monitor shows organized rhythm and a carotid pulse is palpable. ROSC achieved.

Definition

Restoration of a perfusing cardiac rhythm and a palpable pulse after cardiac arrest.

Term

Post-Resuscitation Care

Example

After ROSC from VF, patient is intubated, sedated, placed on mechanical ventilation, cooled to 33°C, given vasopressors for BP support, and cardiac catheterization is ordered to find the cause.

Definition

Intensive care management after ROSC, focusing on airway/oxygenation, perfusion, temperature, and identification of the arrest cause.

Value

≥60% of arrest time

Symbol

%

Quantity

Compression Fraction Target

Term

Code Team Leader

Example

ER physician announces, 'I'm leading. Compressions ongoing. Two minutes elapsed. Let's check rhythm. Large bore IV access in place. Next epi push at 4 minutes.' All team members orient to the leader's updates.

Definition

Designated provider (usually a physician, but can be an advanced practice nurse) who directs the code, calls out the plan, and makes treatment decisions. All team members report to the leader.

Term

Closed-Loop Communication

Example

Leader: 'Give 1 mg epi IV now.' Nurse: 'Pushing 1 mg epi IV now.' [Pushes med] 'Epi given and flushed.' This prevents missed or double doses.

Definition

Communication technique where a directive is given, the receiver repeats it back to confirm understanding, and confirms when the task is completed.

Term

Compression Fraction (CF)

Example

10-minute arrest. Compressions given for 8 minutes. CF = 80% (exceeds the 60% target). Outcome is better with high CF.

Definition

Percentage of the arrest time during which chest compressions are being actively delivered. Target ≥60%.

Values

• 30:2
• 30:2
• 30:2

Property

Single Rescuer

Values

• 30:2
• 15:2
• 15:2

Property

Two Rescuers

Values

• 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches)
• Lower half of sternum

Property

Adult (≥8 yrs)

Values

• ~5 cm (~2 inches)
• ~1/3 of AP chest diameter

Property

Child (1–8 yrs)

Values

• ~4 cm (~1.5 inches)
• ~1/3 of AP chest diameter

Property

Infant (<1 yr)

Values

• VF, pulseless VT
• SHOCK immediately → CPR 2 min → Amiodarone if persistent
• Better (if shocked early, ~20–40% survival)

Property

Shockable

Values

• Asystole, PEA
• DO NOT SHOCK → CPR + Epi immediately → Treat reversible causes (Hs and Ts)
• Worse (~5–10% survival unless reversible cause found and corrected)

Property

Non-Shockable

Values

• 1:10,000
• 1 mg
• IV/IO
• Every 3–5 min
• IV route, dilute concentration

Property

Cardiac Arrest

Values

• 1:1000
• 0.3–0.5 mg
• IM
• Once; repeat at 5–15 min if needed
• IM route, concentrated solution (10x stronger!)

Property

Anaphylaxis

Values

• Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) — repeat until object expelled or unconsciousness
• 5 back slaps + 5 chest thrusts — repeat until object expelled or unconsciousness
• —

Property

Responsive, Severe Obstruction

Values

• Encourage coughing; do NOT intervene
• Encourage coughing; do NOT intervene
• —

Property

Responsive, Mild Obstruction

Values

• Activate ERS → Start CPR → Remove only VISIBLE objects
• Activate ERS → Start CPR → Remove only VISIBLE objects
• No blind finger sweeps

Property

Becomes Unresponsive

Values

• 1 mg
• IV/IO
• Every 3–5 min
• All arrests (after 2nd shock if shockable; immediately if non-shockable)
• 1:10,000 concentration only. NOT 1:1000 (anaphylaxis dose).

Property

Epinephrine

Values

• 300 mg, then 150 mg
• IV/IO
• First dose once, second dose after first shock (if still VF/pVT)
• VF/pVT refractory to defibrillation
• Do NOT use in non-shockable rhythms. Lidocaine is alternative.

Property

Amiodarone

Values

• 0.5–1 mg
• IV/IO
• Every 3–5 min (max 3 mg total)
• Symptomatic bradycardia (pulse present)
• Do NOT use in cardiac arrest. Blocks vagal effects only (useless if no vagal tone).

Property

Atropine

Values

• 94–99%
• Avoid hyperoxia (>99%, causes oxidative stress) and hypoxia (<90%)

Property

Oxygen Saturation

Values

• 35–45 mmHg
• Normal ventilation. Avoid hypocarbia (causes cerebral vasoconstriction) and hypercarbia (causes acidosis)

Property

ETCO2 (if intubated)

Values

• ≥65 mmHg
• Maintain organ perfusion and prevent secondary ischemia

Property

Mean Arterial Pressure

Values

• 32–36°C
• Reduce metabolic demand and brain injury; maintain for 24 hours

Property

Core Temperature (TTM)