H's and T's
The reversible causes of cardiac arrest, and the treatment for each.
H's and T's: Reversible Causes of Cardiac Arrest
The reversible causes of cardiac arrest. Addressing these reversible causes improves the chances of obtaining ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) 1. H's: • Hypovolemia: -> Intravenous Fluids • Hypoxia: -> Oxygen via BVM or ET Tube • Hydrogen Ions (Acidosis): -> Sodium Bicarbonate • Hypo-/Hyperkalemia: -> Calcium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate • Hypothermia: -> Warm the patient as needed 2. T's: • Tension Pneumothorax: -> Needle Decompression or Chest Tube • Tamponade (Cardiac): -> Pericardiocentesis • Toxins: -> Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Chloride and indicated antidotes • Thrombosis (Coronary or Pulmonary): -> Thrombolytic • Trauma: -> Control bleeding, Blood Products, Surgical Interventions
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Updated 30 Aug 2026