Discontinuation of Prehospital
Resuscitation
Poli=
cy:
Unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and oth=
er
advanced life support (ALS) interventions may be discontinued prior to
transport or arrival at the hospital when this procedure is followed.
Purp=
ose:
The
purpose of this policy is to:
- Allow
for discontinuation of prehospital resuscitation after delivery of
adequate and appropriate ALS therapy.
Proc=
edure:
1. Discontinuation of CPR and ALS
interventions may be implemented prior to contact with Medical Control i=
f ALL
of the following criteria have been met:
- Patient
must be 18 years of age or older
- Adequate
CPR has been administered
- Airway
has been successfully managed with verification of device placement. Acceptable management techniq=
ues
include orotracheal intubation, nasotracheal intubations, Combitube
placement, or cricothyrotomy.
- IV
access has been achieved
- No
evidence of any of the following:
- Drug
/ toxin overdose
- Hypothermia
- Active
internal bleeding
- Preceding
trauma
- Rhythm
appropriate medications and defibrillations have been administered
according to the Treatment Protocols of the EMS=
system for a total of 3 cycles of drug therapy without a return of
spontaneous circulation.
- Asystole
must be present on the cardiac monitor after all of the following have
occurred. This MUST be confirmed in at least three leads.<=
/o:p>
- All EMS paramedic personnel involved in the
patient’s care agree that discontinuation of the resuscitation is
appropriate
2. If all the above criteria are=
not
met and discontinuation of prehospital resuscitation is desired, contact
Medical Control.
3. The Deceased Subjects =
patient
care policy should be followed.
4. Document all patient care and
interactions with the patient’s family, personal physician, medical
control, law enforcement and medical examiner in the patient care report.