Teamwork is essential to ensure successful management of cardiac arrest situations.The skill mix of the team will vary from time to time but it is imperative that the person with the most experience in advanced life support assumes the role of team coordinator.
- Early activation of the emergency call.
- Clear identification of the Team Leader.
- Assignment of roles to Team Members suitable to their knowledge & experience.
- Continuation of effective Basic Life Support with minimal interruption.
- Clear and direct instruction given to each Team Member.
- Effective communication between Team Members using closed loop communication.
- Sound knowledge of the ALS algorithm and treatment pathways.
- Skilled patient assessment and reassessment.
- Completeness of documentation.
- Follow-up and debrief with family and staff.
The Team Leader is to direct Team Members and coordinate resuscitation efforts. Ideally the Team Leader should not become involved in undertaking direct procedures unless necessary, such as procedures which require skills that only the Team Leader possesses at the time.
