**Abstract**

Cardiac arrest is the most common cause of death in North America and in the developed world. Advances in care have resulted in improved survival and favorable neurological outcomes in recent times. The initial management and interventions of the post-cardiac arrest patient are reviewed here. Following the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) the priorities are to (A) determine and treat the cause of the cardiac arrest, and (B) optimize the cardiorespiratory function of the to prevent further cardiac arrests. The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) have collaborated to produce post-resuscitation care guidelines for adults following cardiac arrest.

**Keywords:** resuscitation, return of spontaneous circulation, cardiac arrest, management, targeted temperature management
