The ACLS Survey (A-B-C-D)

Airway

Monitor and maintain an open airway at all times. The provider must decide if the benefit of adding an advanced airway outweighs the risk of pausing CPR. If the individual’s chest is rising without using an advanced airway, continue giving CPR without pausing. However, if you are in a hospital or near trained professionals who can efficiently insert and use the airway, consider pausing CPR.

Breathing

In cardiac arrest, administer 100% oxygen. Keep blood O₂ saturation (sats) greater than or equal to 94 percent as measured by a pulse oximeter. Use quantitative waveform capnography when possible. The normal partial pressure of CO₂ is between 35 to 40 mmHg. High-quality CPR should produce a ETCO₂ between 10 to 20 mmHg. If the ETCO₂ reading is less than 10 mmHg after 20 minutes of CPR for an intubated individual, then you may consider stopping resuscitation attempts.