european

resuscitation
council

Advanced Life Support

Universal Algorithm

Unresponsive?
Not breathing or only occasional gasps

Call
Resuscitation Team

CPR 30:2
Attach defibrillator/monitor
Minimise interruptions

Assess
rhythm

Shockable Non-shockable
(VF/Pulseless VT) (PEA/Asystole)

Return of
1 Shock spontaneous
circulation

Immediately resume: Immediate post cardiac Immediately resume:

arrest treatment
CPR for 2 min CPR for 2 min
Use ABCDE approach
Minimise interruptions Controlled oxygenation and Minimise interruptions
ventilation
12-lead ECG
Treat precipitating cause
Temperature control /
therapeutic hypothermia

During CPR Reversible causes

Ensure high-quality CPR: rate, depth, recoil Hypoxia
Plan actions before interrupting CPR Hypovolaemia
Give oxygen Hypo-/hyperkalaemia/metabolic
Consider advanced airway and capnography Hypothermia
Continuous chest compressions when advanced airway in place
Thrombosis
Vascular access (intravenous, intraosseous)
Tamponade - cardiac
Give adrenaline every 3-5 min
Toxins
Correct reversible causes
Tension pneumothorax

www.erc.edu | info@erc.edu
Published October 2010 by European Resuscitation Council Secretariat vzw, Drie Eikenstraat 661, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
Product reference: Poster_10_ALS_01_01_ENG Copyright European Resuscitation Council