520 TRAUMATIC/HYPOVOLEMIC CARDIAC ARREST

1. Begin transportation of the patient and other Basic Life Support Traumatic Cardiac Arrest procedures.

2. If tension pneumothorax is suspected, perform Needle Decompression. (See Appendix O.)

3. Perform Endotracheal Intubation only if other methods of airway control are not effective.

4. Begin rapid IV infusion of Ringer's Lactate (RL) via one to two large bore (14-16 gauge) catheters, up to 3.0 liters.

5. If transportation of the patient is delayed and/or the above measures fail to improve hemodynamic status, contact Medical Control for implementation of one or more of the following options:

MEDICAL CONTROL OPTIONS

OPTION A:

Continue rapid IV infusion of Ringer's Lactate (RL), up to an additional 3.0 liters.

OPTION B:

Transportation decision.

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