Foreword
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 Resuscitation Service: An Overview
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Concept of the chain of survival
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Standards for Clinical Practice and Training
Role of the Resuscitation Council (UK)
Principles of safer handling during CPR
Chapter summary
Chapter 2 Resuscitation Equipment
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Recommended minimum equipment for the management of an adult cardiac arrest
Routine checking of resuscitation equipment
Checking resuscitation equipment following use
Chapter summary
Chapter 3 Recognition and Treatment of the Critically Ill Patient
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Prevention of in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest
Clinical signs of critical illness
Early warning scores and calling criteria
Role of outreach and medical emergency teams
Assessment and emergency treatment of the critically ill patient
Chapter summary
Chapter 4 Principles of Cardiac Monitoring and ECG Recognition
Introduction
Learning outcomes
The conduction system of the heart
The ECG and its relation to cardiac contraction
Methods of cardiac monitoring
Problems encountered with cardiac monitoring
Systematic approach to ECG interpretation
Cardiac arrhythmias associated with cardiac arrest
Peri-arrest arrhythmias
Chapter summary
Chapter 5 Bystander Basic Life Support
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Potential hazards when attempting BLS
Initial assessment and sequence of actions in bystander BLS
Principles of chest compressions
Principles of mouth-to-mouth ventilation
The recovery position
Treatment for foreign body airway obstruction
Chapter summary
Chapter 6 Airway Management and Ventilation
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Causes of airway obstruction
Recognition of airway obstruction
Simple techniques to open and clear the airway
Use of oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways
Insertion of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA)
Insertion of the combitube
Procedure for application of cricoid pressure
Principles of tracheal intubation
Methods for ventilation
Chapter summary
Chapter 7 Defibrillation and Electrical Cardioversion
Introduction
Learning objectives
Ventricular fibrillation
Physiology of defibrillation
Factors affecting successful defibrillation
Safety issues and defibrillation
Procedure for manual defibrillation
Procedure for automated external defibrillation
Synchronised electrical cardioversion
New technological advances in defibrillation
Chapter summary
Chapter 8 Advanced Life Support
Introduction
Learning objectives
Background to the Resuscitation Council (UK) ALS algorithm
Overview of the ALS algorithm
Chest compressions
Precordial thump
Reversible causes
Drug delivery routes
Resuscitation drugs
Use of pre-filled syringes
Principles of external pacing
Chapter summary
Chapter 9 Resuscitation in Special Situations
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Life-threatening electrolyte abnormalities
Hypothermia
Drowning
Acute severe asthma
Electrocution
Pregnancy
Poisoning
Trauma
Cardiovascular collapse or cardiac arrest caused by local anaesthetic
Chapter summary
Chapter 10 Anaphylaxis
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Definition
Incidence
Pathophysiology
Causes
Clinical features and diagnosis
Treatment of anaphylaxis
Chapter summary
Chapter 11 Acute Coronary Syndromes
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Pathogenesis of ACS
Classification of ACS
Diagnosis of ACS
Immediate treatment of ACS
Chapter summary
Chapter 12 Management of Peri-Arrest Arrhythmias
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Principles of the use of the peri-arrest algorithms
Adverse clinical signs associated with peri-arrest arrhythmias
Management of bradycardia
Management of a tachycardia
Chapter summary
Chapter 13 Post-Resuscitation Care
Introduction
Learning objectives
Goals of post-resuscitation care
Initial assessment priorities
Transfer to definitive care
Measures to limit damage to vital organs
Temperature control and therapeutic hypothermia
Prediction of poor outcome
Chapter summary
Chapter 14 Bereavement
Introduction
Learning objectives
Ideal layout for the relatives room
Breaking bad news
Telephone notification of relatives
Practical arrangements following a death
Relatives witnessing resuscitation
Chapter summary
Chapter 15 Ethical Issues in Resuscitation
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Ethical principles that guide medical practice
Historical background to DNAR decisions
Importance of DNAR decisions
Key messages in Decisions Relating to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Overview of the DNAR decision-making process
Factors underpinning DNAR decisions
Documentation of DNAR decisions
Information for patients and relatives
Chapter summary
Chapter 16 Resuscitation Records
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Why maintaining accurate resuscitation records is important
Examples of poor record keeping
Factors underpinning effective record keeping
Importance of auditing resuscitation records
Legal issues associated with record keeping
Audit and reporting standards
Chapter summary
Chapter 17 Resuscitation Training
Introduction
Learning outcomes
Why resuscitation training is important
Principles of adult learning
Resuscitation training methods
Recommendations for resuscitation training for healthcare staff
Training mannequins/models
Resuscitation Council (UK) courses
Chapter summary
Index