EMCrit 257 – Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) is Stupid

Pulseless Electrical Activity ( PEA ) is confusing! The diagnosis and treatment of PEA is bogged down by terminology and misunderstandings. Spurred by a recent interview I did with Anton Helman of EM Cases, I lay down some of my thoughts on PEA here.

The last time I discussed these issues was 5 years ago with Zack and Joe on EDECMO 13.

PEA Progression to ROSC

POCUS Pulse

* Carotid POCUS Pulse* Badra et al. on POCUS Pulse

Narrow / Wide doesn't Work

Rory breaks it down on the CCnerd in a post about QRS size in PEA.

What to Do if You Have Compressions/POCUS Pulse but No BP

Prosen on Vasopressin for PEA

Updates

More on PEA on the EM Cases Blog - I speak with Anton Helman on the topic

The Right Heart being Big doesn't mean PE during Arrest (from Ultrasound Podcast)

Now on to the Podcast...