Cardiac Arrest in Adults - Basic and Advanced Life Support (ACLS)

Emergency cardiac medicine teaches a familiar and simple approach: primary survey followed by secondary survey. This approach provides a wonderful conceptual tool for the acute cardiac life support provider to use when approaching cardiac emergencies.

THE PRIMARY SURVEY

          First ABCD

          In the primary survey, focus on basic CPR and defibrillation.

               Airway

                    Open the airway

               Breathing

                    Provide positive pressure ventilation

               Circulation

                    Give chest compressions

               Defibrillation

                    Shock VF/ pulseless VT

SECONDARY SURVEY

          Second ABCD

               Airway

                    Establish advanced airway control

                    Perform endotracheal intubation

               Breathing

                    Assess the adequacy of ventilation via endotracheal tube

                    Provide positive pressure ventilations

               Circulation

                    Obtain IV access to administer fluids and medications

                    Continue CPR

                    Provide rhythm appropriate cardiovascular medication

               Differential Diagnosis

                Identify the possible reasons for the arrest. Construct a differential diagnosis to identify reversible causes requiring specific treatment.