CARDIAC RESUSCITATION

Abstract

The subject of cardiac resuscitation is of great importance because delay of only a few minutes in beginning treatment may make the difference between a dead or disabled patient and a living and well one. It is important to have a predetermined plan of action and to have equipment available in order to avoid delay. Cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation may occur during any surgical procedure, even in a tonsillectomy with the patient under local anesthesia. It can occur during bronchoscopy or esophagoscopy; hence, anyone who performs major or minor surgery or anesthesia must be familiar with the technique of cardiac resuscitation. The cardiologist or internist who performs catheterization of the heart not only should be aware of the possibility that cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation may develop during the procedure but also must be prepared to treat it, since there is usually no time to call someone else to