DCAS Cardiac Emergency Protocols — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR according to DCAS protocols?
- 15:1
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 20:2
- 10:1
Correct answer: 30:2
DCAS follows international guidelines recommending a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR, with compressions at a depth of 5-6 cm and a rate of 100-120 per minute.
Question 2: What is the first shockable rhythm a DCAS paramedic should identify on a cardiac monitor?
- Asystole
- Ventricular fibrillation (VF) (Correct answer)
- Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
- Normal sinus rhythm
Correct answer: Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a chaotic, disorganized cardiac rhythm that is shockable. Identifying VF quickly allows paramedics to deliver defibrillation, which is the primary treatment.
Question 3: What is the recommended energy level for the first defibrillation shock in adult cardiac arrest using a biphasic defibrillator?
- 50 joules
- 120-200 joules depending on manufacturer (Correct answer)
- 400 joules
- 20 joules
Correct answer: 120-200 joules depending on manufacturer
DCAS protocols align with international guidelines recommending initial biphasic defibrillation at the manufacturer's recommended dose, typically 120-200 joules for the first shock.
Question 4: What is the STEMI protocol for DCAS paramedics?
- Wait for hospital diagnosis
- Obtain 12-lead ECG, identify ST-elevation, administer aspirin, notify receiving cardiac catheterization center for direct transfer (Correct answer)
- Only administer oxygen
- Transport to nearest hospital regardless of capability
Correct answer: Obtain 12-lead ECG, identify ST-elevation, administer aspirin, notify receiving cardiac catheterization center for direct transfer
DCAS STEMI protocol requires early 12-lead ECG acquisition, identification of ST-elevation, aspirin administration, and direct notification/transport to a PCI-capable hospital to minimize door-to-balloon time.
Question 5: What is the role of adrenaline (epinephrine) in DCAS cardiac arrest protocols?
- It is never used in cardiac arrest
- It is administered intravenously every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest to improve coronary and cerebral perfusion (Correct answer)
- It is only used for allergic reactions
- It replaces defibrillation
Correct answer: It is administered intravenously every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest to improve coronary and cerebral perfusion
Adrenaline 1mg IV is administered every 3-5 minutes during cardiac arrest to improve coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure through vasoconstriction, increasing the likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation.
Question 6: What is the recommended duration of CPR before reassessing rhythm in DCAS protocols?
- 30 seconds
- 2 minutes (5 cycles of 30:2) (Correct answer)
- 5 minutes
- 10 minutes
Correct answer: 2 minutes (5 cycles of 30:2)
DCAS protocols recommend 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR (approximately 5 cycles of 30:2) before pausing briefly to reassess the cardiac rhythm and check for signs of return of spontaneous circulation.
DCAS Cardiac Emergency Protocols
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR according to DCAS protocols?