Management of Cardiac/Respiratory Arrest
POLICY:
The individual who detects a life-threatening emergency in a
patient, visitor, or other will remain with the patient and
assess the need for and institute cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) intervention immediately. The most up to
date protocol for cardiac resuscitation is to be followed.
PROCEDURE:
1. The individual first on the scene will summon nearby
help without leaving the patient or interrupting life-
saving techniques. The emergency call system will be
activated.
2. The second person at the scene will immediately summon
any clinical personnel.
3. The most senior clinical person responding to the
emergency will assume duty of team leader. He/she will
designate personnel to act as scribe/recorder, to bring
needed equipment and supplies to scene of emergency,
and place phone calls pursuant to existing policy.
4. While life-saving treatment is being administered, the
receptionist or other designee will summon emergency
help by dialing 911.
The area surrounding the patient will be cleared of
obstacles for easy EMS access. One person will await
the arrival of EMS personnel at the front of the building
and provide direct access to the emergency entrance.
5. The first priority is to maintain effective CPR.
6. Once begun, CPR will not be discontinued until
A. effective spontaneous circulation and ventilation
have been restored
B. the patient is transferred appropriately
C. the patient is pronounced dead
7. All actions, medications, treatments, vital signs, etc
will be documented on the Code Tracking form by the
person acting as scribe:
8. If EKG strips were run or they are to be labeled as to
time run and attached to the Code Tracking form.
9. All persons participating in the code will be recorded
on the Code Tracking form.
10. The most senior clinical person shall accompany patient
to the hospital. Hospital Transfer record and a copy of
the Code Tracking form should accompany patient at time
of transfer.
11. An incident report will be completed by the most senior
clinical person on the scene. This report along with a
copy of the patients chart, Code Record and
progress notes will be reviewed by the Medical Director.
12. An in-depth or root cause analysis will be conducted.
Approved By Governing Board
EP.5
Control #77.1
GUPTA GASTRO