Student learning toolCreated by: Champsedine Arevalo, MAN, RN, EMT
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Arrest

Asystole

Absence of electrical activity — flat line. NOT shockable.

LEAD II · 25 mm/sAsystole

Characteristics

Rate
0
Rhythm
Flat line (confirm in ≥ 2 leads)

Common causes

  • End-stage arrest
  • Any of the Hs & Ts

ACLS treatment

  1. 1High-quality CPR.
  2. 2Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 min.
  3. 3Aggressively identify and reverse Hs & Ts.
  4. 4Do NOT defibrillate.

Related algorithms

Adult Cardiac Arrest →