Adult advanced life support cardiac arrest (RCUK 2025)
A source-linked educational visual of adult cardiac-arrest rhythm management, CPR cycles, medicines and reversible causes from RCUK ALS guidance.
Important safety note
This visual algorithm is an educational representation of published UK clinical guidance and is not a substitute for clinical judgement, local protocols, senior/specialist advice, or the original guideline. Verify current guidance before clinical use.
Scope and source
- Scope
- Adults in cardiac arrest managed by a trained UK resuscitation team.
- Jurisdiction
- UK
- Primary guidance
- Resuscitation Council UK Adult Advanced Life Support Guidelines 2025
- Guidance last updated
- 2025-04-30
- Clinical reference reviewed
- 2026-09-08
- Review due
- 2027-03-08
Interactive clinical algorithm
This source-backed visual algorithm is available in the interactive page experience. Open the original guidance and the node notes before clinical use.
How to read this visual
- Read across the columns for the phases of the pathway; the swimlanes are who acts — Resuscitation team, Rhythm and defibrillation, Drugs and reversible causes.
- Bold marks the dose, threshold or time limit that decides the next step; the rest of a label is context.
- Follow the shockable or non-shockable branch after each rhythm check.
- Use node notes for energy, medicines and reversible-cause details.
Clinical notes
- Prioritise high-quality CPR and minimise interruptions.
- Apply current RCUK guidance, local resuscitation policy and post-ROSC care protocols.
Sources
- RCUK Adult Advanced Life Support Guidelines 2025 (Resuscitation Council UK; 2025-04-30)
Open an editable reference copy
Create a personal educational copy. Verify current RCUK guidance before clinical use.