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Writer's pictureJason Hewitt

VSA Ontario specific guide

VSA Medical arrest (BLS Cardiac Arrest):





Step 1: Confirm VSA (Absent carotid pulse) and have your partner/fire initiate CPR.

Step 2: Place defibrillator pads.

Step 3: Pause CPR and analyze ECG rhythm. (If non-shockable, move to step 5)

Step 4: If shockable, initiate compressions and charge monitor.Clear and deliver shock.

Step 5: Perform compressions for 2 minutes.


Repeat x4 rounds. After the 3rd analysis a TOR may be considered if:

  • Age >/=18 years

  • Arrest was not witnessed by EMS

  • No defibrillation was delivered

  • No ROSC was achieved

Contact BHP for direction at this time.


If the patient does not meet the criteria for a TOR, perform the 4th analysis and extricate, continuing to provide good quality CPR enroute to the closes ED.


ROSC:


In the event of a ROSC:

  • Confirm airway is secure and ventilations are adequate.

  • Target ETCO2 30-40mmHg, and SPO2 94-98%.

  • Obtain SBP Q5 minutes and consider fluid bolus if hypotensive (10cc/kg max 1000cc).

  • Extricate with autopulse in place if possible.

  • Obtain a 12-lead within 10 minutes unless patient re-arrests prior.


Re-arrest:


In the event of re-arrest, perform a single analysis/defibrillation and continue to closest ED.



OBVIOUS DEATH:


The patient can be considered non-workable in the following situations:

  • Transection

  • Decapitation

  • Visible decomposition

  • Putrefaction

or absence of vital signs and:

  • A grossly charred body

  • Gross rigor mortis

  • Dependant lividity


or

absent of vital signs with:

  • A valid DNR

  • Withhold resuscitation order

  • Medical certificate of death


Special Resuscitation situations


Consider early transport (after one analysis) for:

  • Pregnancy >/= 20 weeks

  • Hypothermia

  • FBAO

  • Non-opioid overdoses

  • Suspected PE

  • Other known reversible causes


Consider early extrication after the 3rd analysis for all pediatric patients.


Trauma arrest:

In the case of a trauma cardiac arrest, perform a single analysis/defibrillation and then initiate transport unless the criteria for trauma TOR are met.


Trauma TOR criteria:

  • Age >/= 16 years

  • HR = 0

  • RR = 0

  • No palpable pulses

  • No defibrillation delivered

  • Monitored HR of 0 or >0 (PEA) with the closest ED >/= 30 minutes away.

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