Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) represents one of the most challenging cardiac emergencies healthcare providers encounter. When a patient experiences a PEA arrest, their heart displays electrical activity on the monitor, yet no pulse exists. The proportion of sudden cardiac arrests manifesting with pulseless electrical activity has increased significantly, though survival rates remain lower than ventricular fibrillation. Understanding the reversible causes behind PEA arrests—known as the H's and T's—can mean the difference between life and death. Pulseless electrical activity may have a reversible cause, which can be remembered using the H's and T's mnemonic. This systematic approach helps emergency responders and healthcare professionals quickly identify and treat the underlying causes of PEA arrests. Each letter represents a potentially life-threatening condition that, when identified and corrected promptly, can restore normal cardiac function. The H's: Six ...
During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), proper technique extends far beyond pressing hard and fast on a patient's chest. One of the most critical yet often overlooked components of high-quality CPR is ensuring complete chest recoil between compressions. This hands-on guide will equip healthcare professionals and first responders with the knowledge and techniques needed to master full chest recoil, ultimately improving patient outcomes during cardiac emergencies. What is Full Chest Recoil? Full chest recoil refers to the complete return of the chest wall to its natural, uncompressed position between each compression during CPR. When a responder takes his or her weight off the chest completely in between compressions, it allows the chest to re-expand fully. This is called full chest recoil. This seemingly simple concept plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of chest compressions. The chest wall acts like a spring during CPR. When compressed, it stores potential energy that...