Chapter 8 – Resuscitation CPSA Stations

Introduction

These are typically focused on a candidates leadership of a scenario, but also there is often a skill or some sort of conflict to deal with, for example cardiac arrest due to inadvertent administration of an incorrect dose of local anaesthetic. Ensure you try to tease out what additional things the scenario wants you to cover and use the principles in the communication chapter (chapter 4) to manage this.

Resources

It is difficult to try and provide a generic approach that encompasses both the variety of possible stations. Hopefully, the broad themes below are helpful in helping to develop your approach. 

The ALS/APLS/NLS/ATLS and ETC manuals provide a good foundation and will cover a large number of the scenarios likely to come up in resuscitation stations. The RCEM learning website also contains useful modules, particularly on the environmental emergencies.  The Wessex Adult and Paediatric trauma guidelines along with the NHS Clinical Guidelines on Major Incidents and Mass Casualty Events are also recommended reading for trauma stations.

Example scenarios

As mentioned above your standard life support manuals provide a core foundation for these topics, and if there is an algorithm that is the management you should be following.  Links have been added to relevant clinical presentations to direct to other sources of learning that previous candidates have found useful.