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Of patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), CT imaging revealed new findings 65.2% of the time while POCUS did so in 57.6% of IHCA patients.
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Diagnostic Yield of Computed Tomography and Point-of-Care Ultrasound After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest. Chest. 2026 Mar 13:S0012-3692(26)00297-7. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2026.02.023. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41833810.
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Cardiac standstill on transthoracic echocardiography is a strong predictor of failing to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). However, while it offers high diagnostic accuracy, emergency physicians should use it as one prognostic marker among others rather than a sole reason to terminate efforts.
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Does Cardiac Standstill on Early Focused Transthoracic Echocardiography Predict Absence of Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Cardiac Arrest? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Emerg Med. 2026 Mar;82:9-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2025.12.018. Epub 2025 Dec 15. PMID: 41610792.
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In this review of POCUS echocardiograms, there was a significant distance between the AHA-recommended compression location of the lower third of the sternum and the actual location of the left ventricle.
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Mismatch between left ventricle location and standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation hand placement: A transthoracic POCUS study. Am J Emerg Med. 2026 Jan;99:471-476. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2025.11.003. Epub 2025 Nov 6. PMID: 41237704.
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This meta-analysis demonstrated that POCUS-guided pulse checks in cardiac arrest are quicker and more accurate than traditional manual pulse checks.
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Duration of resuscitation interruption using point-of-care ultrasound versus traditional manual pulse check: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Emerg Med. 2025 Dec;98:145-152. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2025.08.049. Epub 2025 Aug 23. Erratum in: Am J Emerg Med. 2025 Dec;98:430-431. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2025.09.047. PMID: 40876216.
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In this systematic review and meta-analysis of video laryngoscopy (VL) versus direct laryngoscopy (DL) for intubation in cardiac arrest, low-certainty evidence favored VL for improved first-attempt success (FAS) and decreased esophageal intubation. There was no impact on patient-centered outcomes, such as return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or survival.
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ILCOR Advanced Life Support Task Force. Tracheal intubation using video laryngoscopy as compared to direct laryngoscopy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Resuscitation. 2026 Feb;219:110981. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2026.110981. Epub 2026 Jan 20. PMID: 41570881.
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Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in athletes varies by age, sex, race and sport played; regardless of the factors, however, proper screening and emergency action plans are paramount in survivability. Recent trends support return to play post-SCA after individualized risk assessment and management in athletes.
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Athletes. N Engl J Med. 2026 Jan 15;394(3):268-280. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra2312555. PMID: 41534044.
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Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a powerful adjunct during cardiac arrest that can identify reversible causes, improve pulse checks, optimize chest compressions, and aid prognostication—as long as it does not interrupt high-quality CPR. When utilized correctly, POCUS may meaningfully guide resuscitation without prolonging pauses.
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Emergency medicine updates: Point-of-care ultrasound in cardiac arrest. Am J Emerg Med. 2026 Jan;99:176-187. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2025.09.021. Epub 2025 Sep 15. PMID: 41045789.
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Manual bag-valve-mask ventilation during out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a prospective observational study. Resuscitation. 2025 Nov 12;217:110895. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2025.110895. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41237844.
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The updated AHA and AAP guidelines on neonatal life support provide the most current, evidence-based recommendations for recognizing and managing newborns who require resuscitation, a time-critical responsibility that has a major impact on survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Part 5: Neonatal Resuscitation: 2025 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2025 Oct 21;152(16_suppl_2):S385-S423. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001367. Epub 2025 Oct 22. PMID: 41122887.
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The 2025 AHA/AAP Pediatric Advanced Life Support Guidelines refine several core elements of pediatric resuscitation, including shock dosing, airway management, rhythm identification, and post-ROSC care. The updates emphasize physiologic ventilation, minimizing interruption, using ECPR in select cases, and clearer termination guidance – all aimed at improving survival and neurologic outcomes.
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Part 8: Pediatric Advanced Life Support: 2025 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2025 Oct 21;152(16_suppl_2):S479-S537. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001368. Epub 2025 Oct 22. PMID: 41122885.