Ventilation Pearls in the Post-Cardiac Arrest Patient

• Some ventilation pearls from the recently released 2010 AHA guidelines include:
  • Set the tidal volume to 6-8 ml/kg ideal body weight
  • Titrate minute ventilation to achieve a P_aCO₂ between 40-45 mm Hg or P_ETCO₂ between 35-40 mm Hg
  • Reduce the F_iO₂ to maintain S_pO₂ > 94%

References

Peberdy MA, Callaway CW, Neumar RW, et al. Post cardiac arrest care: 2010 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation 2010;122(S3):S768-S786.