Naloxone for suspected opioid overdose

Taking into account the size of the opioid problem in America, the new 2015 guidelines feature the introduction of the use of naloxone (Narcan) for Basic Life Support providers, or the lay pubic trained in its' use.  

This can be used either (more here....  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/naloxone-for-suspected-opioid-overdose)

treaments for hyperkalemic arrest

 Hyperkalemia is one of the reversible causes of refractory cardiac arrest covered in the H's and T's.  It is common in patients with kidney disease, and would probably be an initial consideration in a dialysis patient's refractory cardiac arrest or PEA.  Those with a truly excessive amount of dietary potassium are also.....  (read more at the link!)http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/treatments-for-hyperkalemic-arrest

New guidelines are here!

read more here:  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/new-guidelines-are-here

Pregnancy considerations in maternal arrest

Amiodarone is a pregnancy category D drug, where there is known risk to the fetus with administration to the mother.  Amiodarone causes thyroid problems, arrhythmia, and..(read more here....  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/pregnancy-considerations-in-maternal-arrest)

pulse checks as a measure of CPR quality

EMT's, paramedics, nurses, and doctors all frequently check a pulse during CPR in order to assess quality of compressions, but is the presence of a palpable pulse REALLY an indicator of high quality CPR?  

Find out here:  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/pulse-checks-as-a-measure-of-cpr-quality

Pediatric AED/defibrillation pads

Pediatric AED (automated external defibrillator) and manual monitor/ defibrillator pads are designed to be used on infants and children up to about 8 years old.  Older children and adults should use adult pads only.  Pediatric pads are about half the size of adult pads and often have... read more here: http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/pediatric-aeddefibrillation-pads

Agonal gasps..

Agonal gasping (in the context of Basic Life Support) is a condition in which the victim of cardiac arrest has occasional (perhaps once every 10 seconds) 'gasping' breaths.  This breathing pattern is usually accompanied by a snoring type sound, and perhaps a slight shrugging of the shoulders. 

To oversimplify-

When a healthcare provider shakes a victim ("hey, hey, are you ok?"), they should also... (read more here..http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/agonal-gasps)