Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and post-resuscitation care

Survival following cardiac arrest depends on early recognition and effective treatment with high-quality chest compressions with minimal interruption, ventilation, treatment of reversible causes, and defibrillation if appropriate. Successfully resuscitated patients can develop a ‘SIRS-like’ post-cardiac arrest syndrome. Post-cardiac arrest care includes coronary reperfusion, control of oxygenation and ventilation, circulatory support, glucose control, treatment of seizures, and therapeutic hypothermia. Prognostication in comatose survivors is challenging. Approximately one-third of cardiac arrest survivors admitted to intensive care are discharged home.