02. Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (ACLS)

Last updated on 06/07/2022

Download a PDF version at the bottom


02. Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm (ACLS)

Accessible Text Description:

Cascading numbered boxes correspond to actions the provider should perform in sequence. Each box is separated by an arrow that signifies the pathway the provider should take. Some boxes are separated by 2 arrows that lead to different boxes, meaning that the provider should take a different pathway depending on the outcome of the previous action. Pathways are hyperlinked. 

Box 1: Start CPR

  • Give oxygen
  • Attach monitor/defibrillator
  • Rhythm shockable?
    • If Yes, proceed to Box 2 for VF/pVT.
    • If No, proceed to Box 9 for Asystole/PEA.

Box 2

  • VF/pVT

Box 3

  • Deliver shock.

Box 4: CPR 2 minutes

  • IV/IO access
  • Is rhythm shockable?
    • If Yes, proceed to Box 5.
    • If No, proceed to Box 12.

Box 5

  • Deliver shock.

Box 6: CPR 2 minutes

  • Epinephrine every 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Consider advanced airway, capnography.
  • Is rhythm shockable?
    • If Yes, proceed to Box 7.
    • If No, proceed to Box 12.

Box 7

  • Deliver shock.

Box 8: CPR 2 minutes

  • Amiodarone or lidocaine.
  • Treat reversible causes.

Box 9

  • Asystole/PEA.
  • Give Epinephrine ASAP.

Box 10: CPR 2 minutes

  • IV/IO access.
  • Epinephrine every 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Consider advanced airway, capnography.
  • Is rhythm shockable?
    • If Yes, proceed to Box 5 or Box 7. 
    • If No, proceed to Box 11.

Box 11: CPR 2 minutes.

  • Treat reversible causes.
  • Is rhythm shockable?
    • If Yes, proceed to Box 5 or Box 7.
    • If No, proceed to Box 12.

Box 12

  • If no signs of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), go to Box 10 or Box 11
  • If ROSC, go to Post–Cardiac Arrest Care
  • Consider appropriateness of continued resuscitation

Sidebar:

CPR Quality

  • Push hard (at least 2 inches [5 cm]) and fast (100-120/min) and allow complete chest recoil.
  • Minimize interruptions in compressions.
  • Avoid excessive ventilation.
  • Change compressor every 2 minutes, or sooner if fatigued.
  • If no advanced airway, 30 to 2 compression-ventilation ratio.
  • Quantitative waveform capnography
    • – If PETCO2 is low or decreasing, reassess CPR quality.

Shock Energy for Defibrillation

  • Biphasic: Manufacturer recommendation (eg, initial dose of 120-200 Joules); if unknown, use maximum available.
    • Second and subsequent doses should be equivalent, and higher doses may be considered.
  • Monophasic: 360 Joules

Drug Therapy

  • Epinephrine IV/IO dose: 1 milligram every 3 to 5 minutes
  • Amiodarone IV/IO dose: First dose: 300 milligram bolus.
    • Second dose: 150 milligram.

or

  • Lidocaine IV/IO dose: First dose: 1-1.5 milligrams per kilogram.
    • Second dose: 0.5-0.75 milligrams per kilogram.

Advanced Airway

  • Endotracheal intubation or supraglottic advanced airway
  • Waveform capnography or capnometry to confirm and monitor ET tube placement
  • Once advanced airway in place, give 1 breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths per minute) with continuous chest compressions

Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)

  • Pulse and blood pressure
  • Abrupt sustained increase in PETCO2 (typically greater than or equal to 40 millimeters of mercury)
  • Spontaneous arterial pressure waves with intra-arterial monitoring

Reversible Causes

  • Hypovolemia
  • Hypoxia
  • Hydrogen ion (acidosis)
  • Hypo-/hyperkalemia
  • Hypothermia
  • Tension pneumothorax
  • Tamponade, cardiac
  • Toxins
  • Thrombosis, pulmonary
  • Thrombosis, coronary

 

Download a PDF version for reference:


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