Emergency Resuscitation Box
Information taken from the Data sheets provided with the substances
THESE NOTES ARE FOR INFORMATION ONLY NOT FOR PRESCRIBING

Drug
Proprietary Name

Adrenaline

Therapeutically, it can be administered IV for use as a cardiac stimulant and as a bronchodilator in cases of anaphylactic shock. In cardiac arrest adrenaline (epinephrine) 1 in 10 000 (1 mg per 10 ml) is recommended in a dose of 10 mL by intravenous injection through a central line if one is in place but otherwise through a peripheral vein then flushed with 20 mL sodium chloride 0.9% injection (to expedite entry into the circulation).

Atropine

Indications, ARRHYTHMIAS AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION. In patients with a paroxysmal tachycardia or rapid irregularity of the pulse it is best not to administer an antiarrhythmic until an ECG record has been obtained. Bradycardia, particularly if complicated by hypotension, should be treated with atropine sulphate, given intravenously in a dose of 0.3–1 mg. If the initial dose is effective it may be repeated if necessary.

Diazepam

Single short-lived convulsions do not require treatment. Diazepam, up to 10 mg by slow intravenous injection, preferably in emulsion form, should be given if convulsions are protracted or recur frequently; it should not be given intramuscularly.

Lignocaine

Cardiac conduction defects and arrhythmias may occur in acute poisoning, notably with tricyclic antidepressants. Arrhythmias often respond to correction of underlying hypoxia or acidosis. Ventricular arrhythmias that have been confirmed by emergency ECG and which are causing serious hypotension may require treatment with lidocaine (Lignocaine).

Polygeline 
Haemaccel  

Dextrans, gelatin, and the etherified starches, hetastarch, hexastarch and pentastarch are macromolecular substances which are metabolised slowly; they may be used at the outset to expand and maintain blood volume in shock arising from conditions such as burns or septicaemia. Plasma substitutes may be used as an immediate short-term measure to treat haemorrhage until blood is available. They are rarely needed when shock is due to sodium and water depletion because, in these circumstances, the shock responds to water and electrolyte repletion

Sodium Bicarbonate

Indications: metabolic acidosis, Dose: by slow intravenous injection, a strong solution (up to 8.4%), or by continuous intravenous infusion, a weaker solution (usually 1.26%), an amount appropriate to the body base deficit.