Q. Termination of Resuscitation algorithm (Adults) – In the PEA column ‘continue resuscitation’ box, ‘cessation is appropriate’ in patients in VT/VF if their initial rhythm is PEA.
A. Treatment pathways of rhythms can change with interventions like adrenaline, CPR, and defibrillation, therefore resuscitation decisions are based on the presenting rhythm. We say ‘cessation is appropriate’ – after reversible causes have been addressed, considering early transport if indicated and we have included a section (4.4) on senior clinical advice.
It is not possible to address all the possible scenarios in one algorithm. Different clinicians will have varying levels of confidence, and we allow the more experienced ones to make an autonomous decision without preventing people to seek senior clinical advice.