Is this Patient Really Sick?
This early change in an adult patient often indicates developing circulatory compromise before blood pressure falls.
What is skin pallor, coolness, or diaphoresis
This adult cardiac arrest rhythm mandates immediate electrical defibrillation when identified on the monitor.
Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
In an adult with an unexplained decrease in consciousness, this reversible cause must be excluded early because delayed treatment may cause permanent neurological injury.
Hypoglycaemia
Stridor in an adult suggests obstruction at this anatomical level.
Upper airway (larynx)
This clinical state describes a patient with life‑threatening instability but not yet in cardiac arrest
Peri‑arrest state
An adult patient with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min meets criteria for this life-threatening state.
Respiratory depression / hypoventilation?
High‑quality adult CPR requires chest compressions delivered to this recommended depth.
5-6 cm
This GCS score indicates coma in an adult patient.
GCS ≤8?
An adult patient who is hypoxic, agitated, and using accessory muscles is showing signs of this dangerous physiological state
Impending respiratory failure
This sudden change during CPR is a strong indicator of return of spontaneous circulation.
Sudden rise in end‑tidal CO₂
This structured approach must be repeated after every intervention to detect evolving clinical deterioration.
ABCDE reassessment
During adult cardiac arrest, this physiological parameter confirms effective ventilation and circulation when available.
End‑tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂)
In an adult with an acute reduction in consciousness after resuscitation or trauma, this physiological parameter is used as a surrogate for cerebral perfusion and must be aggressively corrected.
Hypotension
Failure to maintain airway patency requires escalation to this definitive airway.
Endotracheal intubation
Adrenaline should be administered at this interval during cardiac arrest.
What is every 3–5 minutes
This neurological change alone warrants immediate MET activation.
Acute reduction in GCS of ≥2 points
Best‑practice resuscitation prioritises minimising interruptions to this life‑saving intervention.
Chest compressions
Decorticate posturing suggests injury to this part of the brain.
Cerebral cortex
This clinical finding suggests tension pneumothorax and requires immediate intervention without imaging.
Tracheal deviation with respiratory distress and hypotension
These are the four Hs and four Ts of reversible causes in adult ALS.
hypoxia, hypovolaemia, hypo/hyperkalaemia, Hypo/hyperthermia, tension pneumothorax, tamponade, toxins, thrombosis
This physiological parameter often deteriorates before hypotension in compensated shock and must never be ignored.
Tachycardia
This airway adjunct is appropriate for an unresponsive adult patient with no protective reflexes.
Oropharyngeal airway
This finding in head injury is a late and grave sign of raised intracranial pressure.
Fixed and dilated pupils
In an adult receiving oxygen therapy, this clinical sign indicates ventilatory failure rather than oxygenation failure.
Reduced level of consciousness
This drug is the first‑line vasopressor in adult cardiac arrest.
Adrenaline