Key Takeaways

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Critically ill and injured patients should be evaluated and treated following the algorithm of airway, breathing, circulation, and disability. Each stage of the algorithm should be completed and addressed before moving on the subsequent stage. • Shock is a life-threatening condition associated with low blood pressure and poor perfusion of peripheral structures. It can be life threatening if not recognized and treated quickly. Different types of shock include hypovolemic, anaphylactic, cardiogenic, septic, and neurogenic. • Adult resuscitation follows protocols outlined by the ACLS guideline. This guideline outlines a sequence of algorithms to treat cardiac arrest, bradycardia, tachycardia, stroke, and other critical presentations. The protocol discusses chest compressions, oxygen ventilation, cardioactive medications like epinephrine, and the use of a manual electrical defibrillator. Unlike the basic life support, or BLS course, which is open to all types of students including members of the public, ACLS is only available to health providers. • Pediatric resuscitation follows protocols outlined by the PALS guideline.

This guideline outlines the sequence of algorithms to treat respiratory arrest, shock, and arrhythmias that commonly present in children. The protocol discusses chest compressions, oxygen ventilation, are vaso-active medications like epinephrine and atropine, and electrical defibrillation.

The key difference between PALS and ACLS is the focus on respiratory interventions in PALS since children are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems. • Dehydrated and volume depleted adults and children should be resuscitated with intravenous isotonic fluids like normal saline. Anemic or bleeding patients should be resuscitated with appropriate blood products including packed red blood cells.