Traumatic Cardiac Arrest
Here are some algorithms to assist in the management patients who present to the ED with cardiac arrest related to trauma that is suspected to be resulting from either hypovolaemic, obstructive or neurogenic shock.
Note: These algorithms do not relate to the other special traumatic arrest situations (as per the ANZCOR Guidelines):
- Crush injury
- “need to consider the possibility of hyperkalaemia as a contributing aetiology”
- Direct cardiac trauma resulting in commotio cordis
- “should be managed according to the general principles for CPR outlined in ANZCOR Guideline 11.2, with early defibrillation of shockable rhythms accorded the same high priority.”
- Isolated head injury
- “in the absence of other injuries, such patients should be managed according to the general principles for CPR outlined in ANZCOR Guideline 11.2.”
RPH Trauma Unit – Traumatic Cardiac Arrest Algorithm 2021:
ANZCOR – Management of Cardiac Arrest due to Trauma 2016:
Full guideline HERE
ERC – Traumatic Cardiac Arrest Algorithm 2021:
Full guideline HERE
