Analysis
of the AHA Year 2000 ACLS Guidelines
ACLS EMS Quick Summary Overview
Asystole
Initiate Secondary ABCD
1. Transcutaneous Pacing
2. Vasopressor
Vasopressin 40U IV push x 1 only (preferred first agent, Class 2b)
or
Epinephrine 1mg q 3-5min (Class Indeterminant) if vasopressor needed 10-15 minutes after vasopressin administration
3. Atropine
1 mg IV, repeat to 0.04 mg/kg
Additional Notes
Consider Sodium Bicarbonate: prolonged arrest (Class 2b), high K (Class 1), bicarbonate responsive acidosis (2a), tricyclic OD (2a), to alkinalize urine for aspirin OD (2a); not for hypercarbia.
Review quality of resuscitation attempt.
Review features (e.g. Hypothermia, drug overdose, treatable causes vs. irreversible).
*EMS—does not include
additional medications such as specific beta-blockers, digoxin, or other calcium
channel blockers.
See
previous Protocols or use ECC handbook 2000 for further explanation, dosages,
and reference