This course explains the recognition and management of adult in-hospital cardiac arrest, based on the current Resuscitation Council UK adult advanced life support guidelines. It works through the ALS algorithm step by step, including high-quality CPR, safe defibrillation, drugs, reversible causes, team leadership and post-resuscitation care, with worked scenarios. It is a knowledge update and does not replace accredited hands-on resuscitation training.
What you will learn
- Recognise the deteriorating adult using a structured ABCDE assessment and NEWS2, and explain how early escalation prevents cardiac arrest.
- Describe the steps of in-hospital resuscitation, including high-quality CPR at the correct rate, depth and ratio.
- Apply the adult ALS algorithm to shockable and non-shockable rhythms, including the timing of shocks, adrenaline and amiodarone.
- Identify and treat the reversible causes of cardiac arrest using the 4 Hs and 4 Ts.
- Explain the principles of team leadership, closed-loop communication and safe defibrillation during a resuscitation attempt.
- Outline immediate post-resuscitation care, and the role of DNACPR decisions and ReSPECT conversations.
Course content
- Introduction and prevention of cardiac arrest (4 min)
- In-hospital resuscitation and high-quality CPR (3 min)
- The ALS algorithm: rhythms and defibrillation (4 min)
- Drugs, airway and the reversible causes (3 min)
- Team leadership and human factors (2 min)
- Worked scenario: a ward cardiac arrest (3 min)
- After ROSC and decisions about resuscitation (4 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- Resuscitation Council UK: Adult advanced life support guidelines and In-hospital resuscitation guidelines (current edition)
- Resuscitation Council UK, British Medical Association and Royal College of Nursing: Decisions relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (joint guidance)
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024) and Treatment and care towards the end of life: good practice in decision making (2010)
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018), including preserving safety and recognising and working within the limits of competence
- Royal College of Physicians: National Early Warning Score (NEWS) 2
- NHS England and local organisational resuscitation policies
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
The Adult Advanced Life Support Algorithm Explained (UK)
The adult ALS algorithm explained using Resuscitation Council UK 2025 guidelines: shockable and non-shockable rhythms, drug timings, 4 Hs and 4 Ts, and ROSC.
Paediatric Life Support in the UK: Key Steps and Differences From Adults
Paediatric life support in the UK explained: five rescue breaths, 15:2, infant compressions, weight-based doses, and how child resuscitation differs from adult.
The Trauma Primary Survey (<C>ABCDE) Explained
The trauma primary survey <C>ABCDE explained: catastrophic haemorrhage, airway and spine, breathing, circulation, disability and exposure, with NICE guidance.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.