Minimally Interrupted Cardiac Resuscitation for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have a dismal chance of survival. In this study, investigators sought to determine whether survival of such patients would improve with minimally interrupted cardiac resuscitation (MICR). This novel approach, aimed at maximizing cerebral perfusion, involves

• an initial series of 200 uninterrupted chest compressions;

• rhythm analysis, with a single defibrillator shock if indicated;

• 200 immediate post-shock chest compressions before pulse check or rhythm reanalysis;

• administration of epinephrine as soon as possible, repeated with each cycle of compressions and rhythm analysis;

• delay of intubation until after three cycles of chest compression and rhythm analysis.

The researchers trained emergency medical se…