Cardiac arrest: the skills of the emergency nurse practitioner.

This paper seeks to explore the skills that the Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) should have in relation to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). No specific literature was found relating to the role of the ENP in CPR. Therefore, three literature searches were carried out and the findings used to suggest skills in which the ENP should be competent. As demand for community based minor injuries units (MIUs) grows, development of an independent role for ENPs should reflect their unique relationship with patients. These patients may have illnesses in addition to the injuries with which they present. If a patient collapses in cardiac arrest, the prompt and correct response of the ENP would be the most important factor in increasing the patient's survival chances (European Resuscitation Council 1992a & b, Handley & Swain 1994). The majority of sudden cardiac arrests are caused by ventricular fibrillation (VF) (Royal College of Physicians 1987). Therefore, competence in defibrillation is one area of nursing role expansion which should be adopted by an ENP during the role transition. This should be supported by biannual training in Basic Life Support (BLS) to ensure that ENPs are able to manage cardiac arrests effectively. Nationally recognized training is recommended in order to facilitate ENP movement between Trusts.