Follow General Trauma Protocol.
Traumatic Cardiac Arrest CANNOT be stabilized in the field. Emergent transportation must be done while providing the best care possible. Notify Medical Control ASAP so that appropriate trauma team activation can be obtained.
If the patient has arrested at the scene AND has BLUNT trauma, they should be considered deceased and no resuscitation attempted. If the patient has arrested at the scene AND the major injury is PENETRATING (i.e. GSW to chest or abdomen), you should institute immediate CPR and transport as any “traditional” trauma patient.
a. If resuscitation has already been instituted by first responders AND the patient is in asystole AND he/she is assessed to have sustained blunt trauma, THEN providers may cease resuscitation at the scene.
If the patient has signs of life, the patient should be emergently transported.
If the patient arrests enroute to medical facility:
a. Begin immediate CPR
b. Secure an airway by most expedious manner possible
c. Perform bilateral pleural decompressions per Pleural Decompression Protocol.
Initiate large-bore IV access (preferably 2) and infuse Isotonic Solution (NS or LR) 0.9% NORMAL SALINE at a wide-open rate but DO NOT delay transportation. If dysrhythmia occurs, follow Cardiac Dysrhythmia Protocol.
Any patient with injuries deemed incompatible with life such as decapitation, presence of rigor mortis, or lividity should be declared “dead on scene” and not transported. Notify law enforcement.
Notify Medical Control as soon as possible regarding incident including any patient(s) declared “dead on scene” and not transported.