ASYSTOLE

Etiology:

1. MI,
    
2. Hypoxia,
    
3. ­K
    
4. Acidosis
    
5. OD
    
6. Hypothermia

S & S:

1. Flat line on EKG or on cardiac monitor in 2 leads 90 degrees apart.

2. Pulsless and no spontaneous respirations

Treatment:

1. Begin CPR, Intubate, place IV

2. Consider early Pace Maker if witnessed recent asystole

3. Epinephrine 1 mg q3-5 min push via IV or ETT. One may consider
    alternate dosing for Epi (Intermediate 2-5 mg IV q 3-5 min. Escalating
   1mg then 3mg then 5mg IV q3-5 min. High 0.1mg/kg q3-5 min.)

4. Atropine 1 mg q3-5 min to total 0.04 mg/kg. Atropine and Epinephrine
   should alternate q2 min

5. Consider NaHCO (Sodium Bicarbonate) if known  preexisting acidosis
   or TCA OD. NaHCO is not advised in hypoxic lactic acidosis or
   hypercarbic acidosis

6. Consider early termination of effort as asystole carries poor prognosis
    for functional recovery

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