Acute Heart Failure / Pulmonary Oedema

LMNOP

First 30 seconds

  1. 1Sit up, high-flow O₂
  2. 2IV access, ECG, ABG
  3. 3Furosemide 40–80 mg IV
  4. 4GTN infusion if SBP >100
  5. 5Morphine 2.5 mg IV cautiously

Acute or worsening symptoms of HF — usually pulmonary congestion.

A

Airway

  • Patent? Talking? Stridor?
  • Suction, jaw-thrust, adjuncts, definitive airway if needed
B

Breathing

  • RR, SpO₂, auscultate, percuss
  • O₂ to target sats, NIV / intubate as required
C

Circulation

  • HR, BP, cap refill, JVP
  • 2× large-bore IV, bloods, monitor, ECG
D

Disability

  • AVPU/GCS, pupils, glucose, temp
E

Exposure

  • Full exposure, skin, rash, bleeding, lines, infection source
View flowchart algorithm
WardRound

WardRound

Clinical Decisions in Seconds