Date Published

November 4, 2026

Updated For

ALS PCS Version ALS PCS Version 5.2

Question:

Is there any benefit to providing hydrocortisone to a VSA patient with Addison's disease if presented with the vial in this situation? If so, would it require a BHP consult before administering? 

Answer:

SWORBHP Medical Council would suggest initiating your standard resuscitation. If, there is no response and the patient has a history of Adrenal Insufficiency and based on the history leading up to the arrest you believe that they may have arrested from an Adrenal Crisis, you may administer hydrocortisone. A BHP patch attempt is required. If the BHP cannot be reached despite reasonable attempts, this medication could be administered as it would be critical, potentially life-saving and time-sensitive. 

Categories

Keywords

Adrenal Crisis, BHP Patch, medical cardiac arrest

Additional Resources

ALS PCS Preamble: Patching. 

https://www.rppeo.ca/images/pdf/ALS_PCS_5.4_Final.pdfÂ