Table 3-1. Immediate Life-saving Interventions

Intervention Life-saving Non Life-saving
Airway/breathing
  • BVM ventilation.
  • Intubation.
  • Surgical airway.
  • Emergent CPAP.
  • Emergent BiPAP.
Oxygen Administration:
  • Nasal cannula.
  • Non-rebreather.
Electrical Therapy
  • Defibrillation.
  • Emergent cardioversion.
  • External pacing.
Cardiac Monitor
Procedures
  • Chest needle decompression.
  • Pericardiocentesis.
  • Open thoracotomy.
  • Intraoseous access.
Diagnostic Tests:
  • ECG.
  • Labs.
  • Ultrasound.
  • FAST (Focused abdominal scan for trauma).
Hemodynamics
  • Significant IV fluid resuscitation.
  • Blood administration.
  • Control of major bleeding.
  • IV access.
  • Saline lock for medications.
Electrical Therapy
  • Naloxone.
  • D50.
  • Dopamine.
  • Atropine.
  • Adenocard.
  • ASA.
  • IV nitroglycerin.
  • Antibiotics.
  • Heparin.
  • Pain medications.
  • Respiratory treatments with beta agonists.

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