Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the Emergency Department

You are leading the resuscitation team in the emergency department. A 62-year-old man with 30 minutes of central chest pressure is being connected to the cardiac monitor when he suddenly loses consciousness. Immediately before the collapse, he was alert, his blood pressure was 138/84 mm Hg, and his oxygen saturation was 96% on room air.

A nurse and respiratory therapist are at the bedside. The resuscitation cart and monitor/defibrillator are immediately available, and additional team members are responding.