Post-cardiac arrest syndrome: can be treated already in pre-hospital emergency care?

Abstract

Return of spontaneous circulation after prolonged complete whole-body ischaemia during cardiac arrest leads to an abnormal pathophysiological state which was termed post-cardiac arrest syndrome. Its course significantly effects the outcome of patients surviving cardiac arrest.

The chapter summarizes a consensual statement on treatment of post-cardiac arrest syndrome which aim is to provide a resource for optimizing post-cardiac arrest care already in the pre-hospital setting.

Keywords

• Post-cardiac arrest syndrome
• Post-resuscitation period
• Guidelines
• Emergency medical services