PULSELESS VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION

Question 1

What is the first thing you must do for a patient who is unresponsive/not breathing? What does this involve?

Answer 1

1. Call ambulance/resuscitation
   team
2. CPR 30:2
3. Attach defibrillator/monitor

Question 2

Whilst you give chest compressions, what else should you ensure?

Answer 2

• O2
• Continuous compressions
• Ensure intravenous (OR intraosseous (via bone
  marrow) if IV access cannot be obtained) access
• Adrenaline 1 in 10000 (100 micrograms/mL) every 3-5 minutes

Question 3

What is the second step after CPR and attaching defibrillator?

Answer 3

Assess Rythm!
1. if Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless Ventricular tachycardia
- they are SHOCKABLE
2. if Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA) or asystole
- they are NON-shockable
- you should then commence CPR for 2 mins

Question 3

What are some examples of reversible causes of a cardiac arrest?

Answer 3

• Hypoxi
• Hypovolaemia
• Нуро/Hyperkalaemia
• Hypo/Hyperthermia
• Thrombosis - coronary or pulmonary
• Toxins

Question 4

In SHOCKABLE patients, what is involved?

Answer 4

• ONE shock via defibrillator
• then immediately resume
  CPR for 2 minutes

Question 5

After 3 shocks what must you give pt?

Answer 5

Amiodarone or
lidocaine