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A Textbook of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

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BASIC LIFE SUPPORT<br />

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION AND CARDIAC ARREST: BASIC AND ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT 219<br />

Table 32.1: Anti-dysrhythmic drugs: the Vaughan–Williams/Singh classification<br />

Class Example Mode <strong>of</strong> action Comment<br />

I Rate-dependent block <strong>of</strong> Na� conductance<br />

a Quinidine<br />

Procainamide<br />

Disopyramide<br />

Intermediate kinetics between b <strong>and</strong> c Prolong cardiac action potential<br />

b Lidocaine Rapid dissociation from Na� Mexiletine<br />

channel Useful in ventricular tachydysrhythmias<br />

c Flecainide Slow dissociation from Na� channel Prolong His–Purkinje conduction: worsen<br />

Propafenone survival in some instances<br />

II Atenolol Beta blockers: slow pacemaker Improve survival following myocardial<br />

depolarization infarction<br />

III Amiodarone Prolong cardiac action potential Effective in supra-, as well as ventricular<br />

Sotalol tachydysrhythmias. Predispose to torsades de<br />

D<strong>of</strong>etilide<br />

Ibutilide<br />

pointes (a form <strong>of</strong> ventricular tachycardia)<br />

IV Verapamil Calcium antagonists: block cardiac Used in prophylaxis <strong>of</strong> recurrent SVT. Largely<br />

Diltiazem voltage-dependent Ca2� conductance superseded by adenosine for treating acute<br />

attacks. Negatively inotropic<br />

Table 32.2: Drugs/ions not classified primarily as anti-dysrhythmic, but used<br />

to treat important dysrhythmias<br />

Digoxin (rapid atrial fibrillation)<br />

Atropine (symptomatic sinus bradycardia)<br />

Adenosine (supraventricular tachycardia)<br />

Adrenaline (cardiac arrest)<br />

Calcium chloride (ventricular tachycardia caused by<br />

hyperkalaemia)<br />

Magnesium chloride (ventricular fibrillation)<br />

When a person is found to have collapsed, make a quick check<br />

to ensure that no live power lines are in the immediate vicinity.<br />

Ask them, ‘Are you all right?’, <strong>and</strong> if there is no response,<br />

call for help. Do not move the patient if neck trauma is suspected.<br />

Otherwise roll them on their back (on a firm surface if<br />

possible) <strong>and</strong> loosen the clothing around the throat. Assess<br />

airway, breathing <strong>and</strong> circulation (ABC).<br />

Tilt the head <strong>and</strong> lift the chin, <strong>and</strong> sweep an index finger<br />

through the mouth to clear any obstruction (e.g. dentures).<br />

Tight-fitting dentures need not be removed <strong>and</strong> may help to<br />

maintain the mouth sealed during assisted ventilation.<br />

If the patient is not breathing spontaneously, start mouthto-mouth<br />

(or, if available, mouth-to-mask) ventilation. Inflate<br />

the lungs with two expirations (over about 2 seconds each)<br />

Unresponsive?<br />

Shout for help<br />

Open airway<br />

Not breathing normally?<br />

2 rescue breaths<br />

Check pulse<br />

No pulse?<br />

Precordial thump if<br />

arrest witnessed<br />

30 chest compressions<br />

2 breaths<br />

30 compressions<br />

Continue until breathing <strong>and</strong> pulse restored<br />

<strong>of</strong> emergency services arrive<br />

Figure 32.1: Adult basic life support.

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