What is Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)?

What is Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)?

The return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is the primary goal of resuscitation of a cardiac arrest patient using basic and advanced life support measures.

What happens during cardiac arrest?

​Cardiac arrest can occur when the heart’s electrical system stops working properly, which can lead to an abnormal heart rhythm. In addition, besides constant palpation of a carotid pulse, waveform capnography is the most reliable prehospital monitoring device to detect the immediate loss of circulation. Lastly, providing high quality CPR, sometimes combined with defibrillation, can be used to attempt resuscitation with the ultimate goal of achieving ROSC.

What are a Few Signs of ROSC?

A few signs of ROSC might include:
1. Movement
2. Coughing
3. Breathing
4. Detectable pulse
5. Measurable blood pressure
​6. Increase in ETCO2
Although ROSC is a positive sign and the ultimate goal of CPR, post-resuscitation care must be tailored to the needs of the individual patient.

A clinical Look at rosc in mEDICINE

​The measurement for ROSC involves the assessment of noticeable signs like breathing or movement, as well a fluctuations in ETCO2. A sudden increase in ETCO2 is often the first sign of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), even before a carotid pulse can be detected .Some of these causes might become apparent during resuscitation of the patient, especially while evaluating the 5Hs and 5Ts of cardiac arrest.
​In order to achieve ROSC it is critical to focus on the advantages of high-quality CPR with adequate chest compressions and rescue breaths. The ability to achieve the proper compression depth, minimize compression interruptions, and the addition of antiarrhythmic drugs will often proven advantageous for the patient resulting in ROSC.

CPR Training to achieve rosc!

As a healthcare provider or caregiver, it is important to provide patients the best odds of ROSC by knowing and understanding high-quality resuscitative measures. A CPR and AED certification class gives you the chance to review your knowledge and practice your skills so you are prepared to provide lifesaving measures in a cardiac emergency. Help-A-Heart CPR offers training classes taught by experts in the field who are committed to making training informative and fun. With better focus during class and greater retention afterward, you will be equipped to give your patients the highest level of care possible.
Help-A-Heart CPR offers classes at our Texas locations, as well as online and on-site. Contact us today to get our current class schedule.