Demystifying the Cardiopulmonary Code Team Response

Abstract

Objective:

To familiarize the reader with the sequence of events in a hospital-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Data Sources:

The American Heart Association's Textbook of Advanced Cardiac Life Support and the Standards and Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Care.

Data Extraction:

The roles and responsibilities of members of the cardiopulmonary code team are discussed.

Data Synthesis:

A typical code sequence is described, with emphasis on drug therapy.

Conclusions:

This information will provide a better understanding of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation team response and, in particular, the role of the pharmacist as an integral team member.