Module 08
Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
Optimize oxygenation, hemodynamics, and temperature to protect the brain after ROSC.
Immediate Post-ROSC Priorities
- Optimize oxygenation — avoid both hypoxia and hyperoxia.
- Maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥ 65 mmHg.
- Temperature control: target 32–37.5°C.
- Maintain temperature control for at least 36 hours.
- Consider percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) if ACS is the suspected cause.
- Treat the underlying cause that led to the arrest.
Targeted Temperature Management
- Target a constant temperature between 32°C and 37.5°C.
- Maintain for at least 36 hours post-ROSC.
- Prevent fever aggressively in the post-arrest period.
- Monitor continuously — both over-cooling and fever worsen neurologic outcomes.
Clinical Pearl
ROSC is the beginning of post-arrest care, not the end of the resuscitation — the next 24–36 hours determine neurologic outcome.
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