VF and ALS

Question 1

What are the shockable rhythms?

Answer 1

-VF
-Pulseless VT

Question 2

What are the non-shockable rhythms?

Answer 2

-Asystole
-Pulseless electrical activity

Question 3

Overview of ALS

Answer 3

-Chest compressions
-Defibrillation
-Drugs= adrenaline, amiodarone, thrombolytic drugs

Question 4

Describe chest compressions

Answer 4

-Ratio of compressions to ventilation 30:2
-Continued while defibrillator is charged

Question 5

Describe defibrillation

Answer 5

-Single shock followed by 2 minutes CPR
-If witnessed in monitored patient than up to 3 quick successive stacked shocks rather than 1, followed by CPR

Question 6

How are drugs delivered?

Answer 6

-IV
-If not achieved then intraosseous route

Question 7

How is adrenaline used?

Answer 7

-1mg as soon as possible for non-shockable rhythms
-During VT/VF, 1mg given once chest compressions have restarted after 3rd shock
-Repeat every 3-5 minutes whilst ALS continues/ every alternate shock

Question 8

How is amiodarone used?

Answer 8

-300mg in VF/pulseless VT after 3 shocks have been administered
-Further 150mg after 5 shocks
-Lidocaine as alternative

Question 9

How are thrombolytic drugs used?

Answer 9

-Suspected PE
-CPR continued for extended period 60-90 minutes