Special Circumstances Workshop

Pregnancy

By the end of this session the candidate will:

• Understand the treatment of the pregnant patient with cardiac arrest

• Know the differential diagnosis of the collapsed pregnant patient

• Understand the need for early expert help

• Know the modifications to standard ALS

Learning outcomes

Case study

Clinical setting and history• A 36-year-old woman who is 34 weeks pregnant develops shortness of

breath and chest pain. She is brought to the ED by ambulance. On arrival she looks cyanosed.

Clinical course• ABCDE

- A : Clear- B : Looks cyanosed, RR 40 min-1, SpO2 85% on 15 l min-1 of oxygen

with reservoir- C : P 140 min-1 sinus tachycardia, BP 70/40 mmHg - D : Anxious and distressed - E : Gravid uterus

What is the differential diagnosis?

Case study (continued)

Clinical course

• She loses consciousness and becomes apnoeic• The ECG monitor displays wide complexes at 20 min –1

• There are no palpable pulses

What will you do now?

Any questions?

Advanced Life Support Course Slide set

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