Field Presentation of Hyperkalemia and Cardiac Arrest A Case Report
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Abstract
Unresponsive patients with no family or friends can be particularly challenging for EMS providers, especially if they rapidly deteriorate or arrest on scene. Although the “Hs & Ts” are taught in ACLS, hyperkalemia is an infrequent cause of cardiac arrest and can be easily overlooked in patients not on dialysis. However, recognition is crucial as the standard approach to cardiac arrest will not work and specific medications are indicated. Additionally, and in contrast to many other causes of cardiac arrest, there are specific and readily identifiable ECG changes that take place leading up to the arrest, potentially allowing time to intervene. In this case there were several visual and physical clues on patient assessment to suggest the etiology, all of which could have been easily overlooked had the patient undergone a cursory or hurried evaluation.
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