ACLS: Specific algorithm question

[cytanaka]

Hi, just finished Day #1 of 2 of ACLS today. Quick question while I review...

Say a conscious patient has ekg monitoring and is in stable bradycardia. Then, he becomes unresponsive and v-tach is on the ekg.
Do you go through the BLS check before you do the rest of the pulseless algorithm? So, do you take the time to check for breathing, give 2 rescue breaths and then check pulse?

Thanks

 

[pacinonme]

If you witnessed the decompensation and a defibrillator is available, you can:
1. check for responsiveness
2. start compressions (30:2) until the defibrillator is charged
3. give 1 shock, then continue v-fib/vtach algorithm

Have fun. Its not that bad

 

[DrMom]

double posted in the anesthesia forum. the other thread has a number of responses, so I'm closing this one.