Date Published

June 9, 2025

Updated For

ALS PCS Version 5.2

#SWORBHPTips

What is acidosis?​

Acidosis is a condition where the blood has a lower-than-normal pH level caused by an excess of Hydrogen ions (H+)​

​ What are some causes of acidosis?

Metabolic​

Respiratory​

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)​

Sepsis​

Renal Failure​

Excited Delirium​

COPD​

Pulmonary Edema​

Why Leave Early?​

  • In short, you will not*​
  • In general, your standard Medical Cardiac Arrest Medical Directive treatment is all that is required​
    • Good quality CPR​
    • Airway management​
    • Defibrillation, as required​
  • If the patient have a ROSC, further targeted treatments may be available in-hospital​

*However, should your resuscitation not be up to your standards (ex. Cannot establish a stable airway) then you may consider transport to hospital 

In Summary:

  • Acidosis is a metabolic derangement that can occur in many different pathologies​
  • In the setting of cardiac arrest, management should focus on the basics utilizing your excellent quality resuscitation via the Cardiac Arrest Medical Directive​
    • There is no role to leave after 1 analysis with suspected acidosis

Categories

Cardiac/Ciculation,Medical Cardiac Arrest

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