Treating Cardiac Arrest
Prompt treatment improves the chance of survival. The four steps in the cardiac chain of survival are:
Immediately call for emergency medical support. Call 9-1-1 as soon as you notice cardiac warning signs or suspect a cardiac arrest has occurred.
CPR helps keep blood and oxygen flowing to the heart and brain until other treatment can be given. The heart and brain are very susceptible to low oxygen levels. Permanent damage can occur, even with successful resuscitation. During CPR, the rescuer positions the head to open the airway, breathes air into the patient, and compresses the patient's chest.
Once on the scene, emergency medical technicians or paramedics will assess the heart rhythm and determine whether the rhythm warrants defibrillation (eg, ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia). Defibrillation sends an electrical shock through the chest. The surge of electricity aims to stop the ineffective, irregular heart rhythm. This may allow the heart to resume a more normal electrical pattern. Automated external defibrillators check the heart rhythm before instructing the rescuer to give the shock.
Paramedics at the scene and doctors at the hospital provide essential medical care and intensive monitoring. They will give drugs, insert a tube to maintain an open airway, and manage emergency care. Epinephrine is often given early to make the heart more receptive to electrical impulses and improve blood flow to the heart and brain. The patient will receive oxygen. Even if an effective heart rhythm is restored, low oxygen levels may cause serious complications, including damage to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. Doctors will attempt to find and correct the underlying cause of the cardiac arrest.
At the hospital, the doctor will ask about:
- Symptoms prior to the collapse
- The patient's medical and drug history
If the patient survives, the doctor will:
- Assess the electrocardiograms performed by the emergency medical personnel
- Perform a physical exam
- Confirm a cardiac arrest has occurred
- Look for the cause
- Evaluate the effects of pre-hospital care
- Order additional blood and diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of the arrest
A telemetry machine will continually monitor the heart's electrical activity.