Traumatic Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

Cardiac arrest following trauma is associated with poor survival rates. These rates can be improved if timely resuscitation is given to the patient. Traumatic cardiac arrest is different from medical cardiac arrest as addressing the underlying cause of arrest takes priority over chest compressions and defibrillation. The reversible causes of arrest (hypovolemia, hypoxia, tension pneumothorax and pericardial tamponade) should be addressed first. Hypovolaemia is treated by simultaneously controlling the bleeding and resuscitating with fluids, blood and blood products. Hypoxia is addressed using airway management and ventilation. Tension pneumothorax should be decompressed using tube thoracostomy. Resuscitative thoracotomy can be considered for pericardial tamponade if an expert team is available. Thus, early recognition and treatment of traumatic cardiac arrest can help to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.