Postarrest Interventions that Save Lives

Abstract

Patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest require complex management. An organized approach to early postarrest care can improve patient outcomes. Priorities include completing a focused diagnostic work-up to identify and reverse the inciting cause of arrest, stabilizing cardiorespiratory instability to prevent rearrest, minimizing secondary brain injury, evaluating the risk and benefits of transfer to a specialty care center, and avoiding early neurologic prognostication.

Keywords: Mechanical circulatory support; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Seizure; Temperature-targeted management.