A pre-hospital team is managing a 30-year-old female with suspected pulmonary embolism who develops cardiac arrest. Per RCUK 2025, what specific inter...

Question

A pre-hospital team is managing a 30-year-old female with suspected pulmonary embolism who develops cardiac arrest. Per RCUK 2025, what specific intervention should be considered and what is the implication for CPR duration?

Accepted Answer

Administer thrombolytic therapy (alteplase 50 mg IV bolus) and continue CPR for 60-90 minutes to allow the thrombolytic to work

Answer

Administer IV heparin 80 units/kg and observe for ROSC

Answer

Perform bilateral thoracostomies

Answer

Administer aspirin 300 mg and continue standard ALS

Answer

Standard ALS only - no specific intervention for PE in cardiac arrest

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): PE Cardiac Arrest - Thrombolysis

A pre-hospital team is managing a 30-year-old female with suspected pulmonary embolism who develops cardiac arrest. Per RCUK 2025, what specific intervention should be considered and what is the implication for CPR duration?