In this episode, the team dive into the critical but often under-discussed phase of post-ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) care in non-traumatic adult cardiac arrest. Achieving ROSC is a major win, but it's just the beginning. What comes next can be the difference between survival and meaningful recovery. They break down the essential steps for optimising airway, ventilation, circulation, and neurological outcomes in the immediate post-arrest period, all through a practical and prehospital lens. From optimal positioning and end-tidal monitoring to fluid strategies and medication titration, this episode is packed with tips to help you stabilise and support your patient when it matters most.
They also explore the importance of tactical pauses, human factors, and mindset shifts that help crews transition from the chaos of resuscitation to focused post-arrest care. You’ll hear about the role of targeted temperature management, post-ROSC ECG interpretation, and real-world considerations like agitation, sedation, and hospital destination decisions. Whether you're a new clinician or an experienced provider, this episode will give you practical, evidence-based strategies to help keep your post-ROSC patients alive and thriving. Don’t just aim for ROSC—plan for what comes after.
References
- Crewdson, K., Lockey, D., Voelckel, W., & others. (2019). Best practice advice on pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia & advanced airway management. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 27(6). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-018-0554-6
- Life in the Fast Lane. (n.d.). Post-resuscitation syndrome. https://litfl.com/post-resuscitation-syndrome/
- Stub, D., Bernard, S., Duffy, S. J., & Kaye, D. M. (2011). Post cardiac arrest syndrome: A review of therapeutic strategies. Circulation, 123(13), 1428–1435. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.988725
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