[Management of patients in cardiac arrest in the emergency department]

Cardiac arrest is the most time-sensitive condition that personnel face in the emergency department. Optimal management consists of good quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the simultaneous performance of focused investigations to identify potential reversible causes, and the delivery of cause-specific treatments. In order to manage patients with cardiac arrest in an efficient manner, team members need to have clearly defined roles and ready access to required equipment. This article presents the latest guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation of patients with cardiac arrest in the emergency department and specific initial therapies for reversible causes. The article highlights specific aspects of the management of patients with cardiac arrest due to major trauma and accidental hypothermia, as well as cardiac arrest in the setting of advanced pregnancy. The article also provides recommendations regarding role allocation to team members involved in cardiac arrest management.