- Avoid interrupting chest compressions! The key to successful resuscitation is to SUSTAIN chest compressions aggressively for 2-3 minutes before stopping to check status.
- Most people apply too little force when performing chest compressions! Do not be concerned with breaking ribs or injuring the heart or chest with BLS. In contrast to CPR in people, the thorax of MWDs is more compliant and fractures are rare.
- Maintain a steady and continuous rate of chest compression and ventilation. Minimize the number of times you stop to check the patient. Most people stop too frequently, which makes BLS less successful.
- During CPR, consider sodium bicarbonate (1-2 mEq/kg IV, repeated every 10 minutes) if metabolic acidosis (pH <7.0) is present, or empirically if CPR is prolonged >10 minutes.
- During CPR, consider magnesium sulfate (30 mg/kg IV, once) in patients with refractory VT.