Managing cardiac arrest in dental practice

In cardiac arrest, the patient suddenly loses consciousness, has no pulse and is not breathing.

In dental practice, follow the advice in Management of cardiac arrest in dental practice for first-aid management of patients with cardiac arrest.

Figure 1. Management of cardiac arrest in dental practice

If cardiac arrest occurs:

  • Stop dental treatment.
  • Call 000.
  • Start basic life support, including CPR (for ‘Basic life support flow chart’, see Basic life support flow chart). Use an automated external defibrillator if available.
  • Maintain treatment until the patient regains consciousness or assistance arrives.
Note: CPR = cardiopulmonary resuscitation